Cooler weather could bring more human-caused fires

Central Oregon Labor Day weekend campers used fire to stay warm with temperatures dropping into the low 40s and even high 30s

Fire managers with the Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center in Prineville said Sunday they worry these cold temperatures could bring more human caused fires.

Even though the cold night temperatures have brought frost to some areas, the heat of the day quickly dries out vegetation throughout the High Desert.

Central Oregon is still 30 percent below its average sagebrush moisture level, and that is keeping the region under an extreme fire danger.

COIDC experts say all campers should know how to put a fire out correctly.

“What we recommend is that people use a bucket of water and a shovel to kind of stir and cool the fire,” said Information Officer Lisa Clark. “Feel it very carefully with the back of your hand. Don’t put your hand on the coals, just slowly put the back of your hand there. If it still feels hot, keep adding more water and stirring until it actually feels cool.”

Fire officials also say if you are having a campfire in your backyard, make sure you have a charged hose, and a copy of your area’s burn regulations.

Public use restrictions are in place throughout Central Oregon, which means there are places where you can not have campfires. To make sure you are not in a restricted area visit: http://www.fs.usda.gov/centraloregon.