get out and enjoy all that central Oregon has to offer, ODF reminds us to
practice fire safety to prevent uncontrolled fires. Warm dry weather, alternating with cooler
moist periods can give a false sense of reduced fire danger. Burning yard
debris from landscaping projects or fuel reduction activities and
campfires/warming fires can pose a significant wildfire risk if allowed to burn
uncontrolled.
Escaped debris burns are the leading
human-caused fire issue in Oregon, accounting for thirty fires burning 88 acres
in the Central Oregon District in 2015.
Uncontrolled fire, or burning without a permit can result in citations
and fines, as well as liability for any costs associated with suppression of
the fire.
Consider alternatives to burning such as chipping,
composting and debris removal programs through your local landfill. There are many FireFree events scheduled this
spring throughout central Oregon.
precautions when burning yard debris.
Fire is less likely to escape control by following these safety tips:
·
Call your local
burn number to determine if burning is allowed and if a permit is required.
·
Avoid burning
during windy conditions.
·
Never leave a
fire unattended.
·
Keep the fire
small and manageable.
·
Have water and a
shovel available.
·
Clear the area
around the fire to mineral soil.
·
Burn only yard
debris.
·
Drown fire with
water and stir until it is cold to touch to extinguish
·
Report any
uncontrolled fire to 9-1-1.
Fire Prevention webpage: http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/pages/FirePrevention.aspx
It is never too early to think about fire
season. While working on spring
landscaping take the time to clean leaves and needles from your roof and
gutters, as well as removing any vegetation and flammable material from under decks
and adjacent to your home.
ODF’s Central Oregon District is not
currently issuing burn permits for industrial logging slash. Landowners are encouraged to check logging
and slash piles which were burned last fall to ensure there has not been any
holdover fire.
For more information on ODF’s Central
Oregon District visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.