Labor Day Reminder: Wildfire danger lingers

Don’t let these cool mornings and shorter days fool you: Forests across a significant portion of Oregon remain in high wildfire danger, state Department of Forestry officials warned Wednesday.

For recreationists headed to the woods over the Labor Day weekend, basic precautions can make your outing a safe and enjoyable one.

Check current restrictions: Public and corporate forest landowners generally try to offer as much recreational access to the forests as possible. For that reason, the restrictions on campfires, off-road driving and riding, and other activities in the woods can change frequently as fire conditions evolve.

Be sure to check with the land management agency or landowner before you head out.

Fire safety tips: The common recreational causes of wildfires are easy to prevent:

– Campfires: First, check whether campfires are allowed where you plan to camp. If they are, go to the Keep Oregon Green Association website, www.keeporegongreen.org, for practical tips on building and maintaining a campfire.

– Off-road vehicle use: Dry grass or brush can ignite if it comes into contact with the exhaust system of a four-wheel drive, quad or motorcycle. Stay on established forest roads and trails during this time of high wildfire danger.

– Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in most wildland areas. A cigarette discarded in dry grass, leaves or needles can smolder for hours and eventually flare up into a wildfire.

“The Oregon public has done well this summer exercising fire safety caution in the forest,” said Tom Fields, fire prevention coordinator with the Oregon Department of Forestry. “Let’s all continue that good record through the Labor Day holiday.”