Oregon Department of Forestry fire danger levels on the rise across the state; Central Oregon at ‘moderate’

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – Over the last week, several Oregon Department of Forestry fire protection districts have announced the start of fire season and implemented the necessary fire danger levels and restrictions to reduce the number of human-caused fires.

Fire danger levels may be low, moderate, high, or extreme at different times throughout the year, based on local fuel conditions, weather and other potential fire hazards. Public use restrictions on activities are enacted during fire season in an effort to reduce the number of human-caused fires, and may fluctuate throughout the season.

Conditions across the state are quickly becoming more susceptible to wildfire due to reduced rain and high temperatures.

As of Friday, the following ODF districts have announced their declaration of fire season:

• Southwest Oregon (Jackson and Josephine counties) – June 1 – Moderate Fire Danger
• Central Oregon (Hood River, Jefferson, Deschutes, Crook, Morrow, Wheeler, Grant, and Harney County) June 2 – Moderate Fire Danger
• Walker Ranger FPA (northern Klamath County) – June 2 – Moderate Fire Danger
• Northeast Oregon (Wallowa, Union, Umatilla, and Baker County) – June 5 – Low Fire Danger
• Klamath-Lake (Klamath and Lake County) – June 6 – Moderate Fire Danger
• Coos FPA (Coos and Curry County) – June 6 – Low Fire Danger
• Douglas FPA (Douglas County) – June 6 – Moderate Fire Danger
• Western Lane (Lane County) – June 9 – Moderate Fire Danger
• South Cascade (Linn and Lane County) – June 9 – Moderate Fire Danger

Additional fire regulations may be implemented as fire danger levels change throughout fire season.

With the forecast of a hotter, drier summer this year, the Oregon Department of Forestry urges residents not to become complacent in wildfire prevention.

With several districts in or going into fire season, and others not yet there, it’s important to check the local fire restrictions where you live and where you’re planning to travel. Remaining informed of local fire restrictions can prevent you from bringing prohibited fire hazards onto the landscape and from potentially starting the next large wildfire.

Remember, the fewer human-caused fires in Oregon we have, the more you’re helping protect Oregon’s natural resources, communities, and firefighters. For tips on wildfire prevention, visit www.keeporegongreen.org. Check your local restrictions at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.