ODOT urges drivers to plan ahead as wildfires continue to disrupt travel; OEM advises being ‘fire-safe’ on the road

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – After a week of wildfire-related road closures, travelers across Oregon should continue to carefully plan their routes. Fires are still actively burning near many highways, causing them to close and reopen with little notice, ODOT advised.

With several more weeks of a long, hot summer ahead, wildfire-related disruptions are likely to continue throughout the state, making some routes unreliable, the agency said in its Friday update.

For those who must travel, ODOT urged you to try to plan a route that is far away from wildfires. Visit TripCheck.com for the latest road conditions before you start your journey. TripCheck provides live updates from our dispatch centers 24 hours a day. It is updated immediately as road conditions change.

Here are some essential tips for traveling during wildfire season:

• Use Designated Detours: Follow official detour signs and routes provided by transportation authorities. Do not follow GPS directions onto local or forest roads. These roads are often unsuitable for interstate traffic. If a highway is closed, nearby local roads are likely closed as well.
• Prepare for Power Outages: In areas affected by wildfires, power outages are common. Treat non-working traffic lights as four-way stops and be aware that roadside message boards and TripCheck cameras may be out of service.
• Carry an emergency kit: Oregon Emergency Management suggests you pack these supplies in your car before hitting the road.
• Drive Safely in Smoke: Driving in smoky conditions is like driving in heavy fog. Reduce your speed, maintain a steady pace, and stay alert. Use your headlights to improve visibility.
• Stay Home if Possible: The safest place to wait for a road to reopen is at home. Do not travel to closure points to wait because closures could last for hours or days.

For pictures and videos of wildfires burning near state highways, visit ODOT's Flickr album.

For more information on current fires, visit the National Interagency Fire Center's website.

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The Oregon Department of Emergency Management encourages people traveling by car to be fire safe
Oregon Dept. of Emergency Management - 07/25/24 6:46 PM

 If you are traveling by car this summer, especially if you are headed to Eastern Oregon, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) are encouraging you to be fire safe and prepared.

The 2024 wildfire season is shaping up to be one for the record books. With Govenor Tina Kotek invoking the Emergency Conflagration Act for Durkee and Battle Mountain Complex Fires, there are now three large complex fires burning through acres of land east of the Cascades. Fire officials and OEM are asking people to take every precaution possible to avoid adding to the problem.

While you are packing and preparing to take off and explore our state, it’s important to stay up to date on road closures with Tripcheck.com; connect with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) about campfire restrictions; and make sure you have emergency supplies in case you get stranded.

Here is a list of items to consider for a basic emergency car kit:

• Jumper cables
• Flares or reflective triangle
• Car cell phone charger
• Blanket
• Map
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help if the air is smokey or dusty
• Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape to shelter in place if needed
• Wet wipes, garbage bags, toilet paper and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Printed maps of the local area in case you lose service
• Cell phone and a backup charger
• Cash
• A fire extinguisher you know how to use

Finally, pack extra water and snacks in case you get stuck for a while.

In addition to packing an emergency kit, ODOT wants to remind travelers to check Tripcheck.com and check conditions for your route. It is also important to make sure your car is tuned up, has plenty of gas and the tires are in good condition.

Here are more tips to be a fire safe traveler:  

• When pulling off the road, stay on paved surfaces when possible.
• Avoid the side of the road where dry grass and other fuel can come in contact with your vehicle’s hot components and spark a fire.
• Don’t toss lit cigarettes, or any flammable materials, out your vehicle’s window.
• Extinguish all smoking materials completely and never in dry grass.
• Secure chains and make sure they aren’t dragging. That can cause sparks.

Maintain your car and carry the right equipment  

• Maintain proper tire pressure as driving on rims will throw off sparks.
• Prevent vehicle fires by having your vehicle serviced regularly by a professionally trained mechanic.
• Heat and electrical sparks that come into contact with leaking flammable car fluids can easily start a car fire.

There are tips on how to prevent wildfires on the Oregon Department of Forestry’s website.

You can find more tips on how to prepare your car for road trips at Ready,gov/car or check out Be 2 Weeks Ready to help build your self-reliance and community preparedness.