[Prineville, Ore.] Recent cool weather
across Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District is not an indication
that fire season is over. These cooler temperatures and improved humidity
recovery will moderate fire behavior, but significant rain is needed to lessen wildfire
risk and lift prevention restrictions or end fire season.
The risk of rapid fire spread in all fuel types remains
despite the transition to seasonable fall weather. Hot, dry conditions this summer fully cured
dead and down fuels, and live vegetation had limited moisture, resulting in
critical wildland fire potential.
“We are continuing to see new fires pop up, and we are
still seeing larger fires burn aggressively”, explains Ben Duda, Prineville
Unit Forester. “With all the fires on
the landscape across Oregon we need to do what we can to let firefighting
resources focus on those fires.”
Regulated-Use Closure and Fire Season are still in
effect across the Central Oregon District. These restrictions are intended to reduce wildfire
ignitions from high-risk activities. The
Regulated-Use Closure prohibits mowing of dried grass and chainsaw use between
the hours of 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. as well as limiting motor vehicles and
all-terrain vehicles to improved roads. Campfires
are prohibited when Regulated-Use Closure is in effect.
Activities prohibited during fire season include
smoking in forest operation areas, blasting without a permit, use of exploding
targets and tracer ammunition. Backyard
debris burning, including burn barrels is prohibited. In addition to these restrictions forest
operations are required to follow prevention guidelines which are available at www.oregon.gov/odf. These
guidelines are intended to reduce the risk of fire ignition, quickly detect
fires, and allow for a swift suppression response.
Counties and local fire departments may have
additional restrictions in place. Check
restrictions in your local area to help prevent wildfires.
Failure to follow Fire Season and Regulated-Use Closure
restrictions can result in citations, fines, and liability for costs associated
with putting the fire out. Wildfires
impact public health, water quality, soil productivity, landowners, and local communities
and businesses.
For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon
District, including Regulated-Use Closure restrictions and contact information,
please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.