Rise in C.O. human-caused blazes has fire prevention officials concerned

Very dry conditions at lower elevations mean fire can spread quickly

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- With Wildfire Awareness Month kicking off this Friday, wildland firefighting officials in Central Oregon want to remind people to prevent the start of careless, unwanted wildfires.

“Over the past two weeks, Central Oregon firefighters already have responded to 16 human-caused wildfires,” said Alex Robertson, staff officer for Central Oregon Fire Management Services, “which is concerning, because we are above normal for the number of fires we would see this time of year.”

While current snowpack is about 75% of normal, conditions are very dry in the lower elevations, where much of BLM-managed land and private lands, protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry, are located. 

While not quite dry enough for fire restrictions, overall limited measurable precipitation in the last several months means light fuels like grasses will dry out quickly and can spread fire rapidly into heavy brush and forests.

People camping outside of developed recreation sites, which are currently closed due to COVID-19, should make sure their campfire is contained in a campfire ring and the surrounding area is clear of combustible material at least 15 feet from the campfire ring.

People should always make sure that campfires are dead out. Dead out means you can place your hand on top of where the campfire was and it is cool to the touch.  People should remember Drown, Stir, Feel. People must never walk away from a campfire assuming it will go out on its own.

Before heading outdoors, contact the agency or landowner who manages the lands at your destination for an update on current fire restrictions or bans. Any visitor should review these restrictions before building campfires, burning debris, or using equipment that could ignite dry vegetation.  

Any fire that firefighters respond to a means they may be exposed to COVID-19. Do your part and take all possible measures to prevent wildfires and keep firefighters on the front lines for the fires that can’t be prevented.

 We’re all in this together. While our fire crews, engines and tankers will be fully staffed and ready to respond, wildfires don’t stop at property lines and neither should preparing for them.

Look at activities you can do now to protect your home at Project Wildfire (www.projectwildfire.org ) Make a ‘ready, set, go’ evacuation plan with your family. Become ‘smoke ready’ with simple, low-cost DIY filters. And please be extra vigilant with any ignition source, from a dragging chain to lawnmowers.