EARLY SEPTEMBER HEAT WAVE SIGNALS RENEWED FIRE DANGER; ALL ZONES AT HIGH FIRE DANGER BEGINS THURSDAY, SEPT. 3

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With the continued dry weather and fuels conditions, we will be going to IFPL Level 3 in weather zones NW2 and NW3, and to IFPL 2 in NW1, starting at 1:00 a.m. Thursday, September 3rd .  Public Use Restrictions will move to High in NW1 so all zones are now in High (Yellow) at the same time. These high fire danger conditions bring a host of precautions.

The weather appears dry as far as out as the forecast looks, and we may get dry east winds next week. The long term forecasts are still calling for a damp September, although now they are saying the second half of September.

You can look a map and more details here:  https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx .

You can see some of these predictions and other weather resources here: https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/Pages/Weather.aspx

Statewide fire activity is very active. ODF Team 3 will return tomorrow from the Green Ridge Fire in Central Oregon. Team 1 is working on the Sweet Creek Fire in West Lane District. Other uncontrolled fires on the landscape include the Lionshead Fire, White River Fire, and Beachie Creek Fire.

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon will face extremely hot weather for the next few weeks, including the coast. Wildfire managers are concerned about this forecast. The return of high temperatures, low humidity and east winds can turbocharge even the smallest fire start. A smoldering campfire or an errant spark from a vehicle can become a raging blaze in minutes. And this at a time when firefighting resources are already strained in Oregon and nationally.

The last three weeks have been extremely challenging for wildland and structural firefighters. They have been working long hours in the heat for weeks at a time in an effort to contain the spread of the state’s current wildfires and keep communities safe. Many people across the state have had to evacuate or feared they might have to. And the threat isn’t over.

Absent lightning, human activity becomes the main cause of wildfires, as was the case with the Sweet Creek Milepost 2 Fire. Picture shows smoke from that fire rising in burning forestland near the Siuslaw River in Lane County.

While the threat from dry lightning in Oregon lessens after August, human activity again becomes the chief cause of fires. So whether this September hot spell spawns new wildfires depends almost entirely on how Oregonians behave in the forest. Taking a few extra precautions while working or recreating in the forest can prevent most wildfires. Make a difference by following a few simple tips:

  • Operate ATVs and other motorized vehicles only on established roads.
  • Check your vehicle for dragging tow chains that can send sparks into roadside vegetation.
  • Don’t park or idle on dry grass or brush – the hot exhaust system can set it smoldering in seconds.
  • Check current fire restrictions for the area before building a campfire. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed at any time of year. Or simplify your life by bringing prepared foods instead of trying to cook over a smoky fire.
  • Smoke only in an enclosed vehicle. Properly dispose of cigarette butts.
  • If you see smoke, call 9-1-1.
  • Always have fire extinguishing tools on hand.