[PRINEVILLE, Ore.] Fire Season in Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Central Oregon District remains in effect across private ownership, as well as state and municipal lands. Cooler recent temperatures may give a false sense that fire danger is no longer present. However, vegetation conditions are well above average across the District, and in many places are near where they were in August. This assessment is based on the ability of fuels to burn, fuel moisture content, the heat potential of the fire front, and the rate of spread. Fire managers are regularly reviewing the conditions and evaluating the need for restrictions.
“Cooler days and increased humidity recovery at night
are moving us toward reducing some of our prevention measures, but what we
really need to see is significant widespread precipitation across the District
before we can make that decision,” says Rob Pentzer, Assistant District
Forester for the Central Oregon District.
Open burning without a permit is prohibited on ODF protected
lands as part of the Fire Season Declaration.
Additional county or local fire department restrictions may also be in
effect. Upcoming rain in the forecast
will not eliminate the risk associated with debris burning with the current
fuel conditions and wind associated with the storm may increase the risk of
fire escaping.
Regulated-Use Closure restrictions are in place to
reduce human caused fires on the landscape.
Campfires and warming fires, including charcoal fires are prohibited by
the Regulated-Use Closure. Additionally,
a shovel and fire extinguisher (or a gallon of water) is required while
traveling on forest roads. Chainsaw use and mowing of dried grass is prohibited
between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Current restrictions can be found at www.ODFcentraloregon.com. Failure to follow current restrictions may
result in a citation or liability for fire suppression work. Wildfires cause damage to Oregon’s natural
resources, including affecting water, soil and air quality and impact local
communities. These restrictions affect
Central Oregon District protected lands in Crook, Deschutes, Gilliam, Grant, Hood
River, Jefferson, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, Wasco, and Wheeler counties.
ODF’s Central Oregon District continues to serve
landowners and the public as an essential service for Oregonians. Please call or email to talk with our staff
or schedule an appointment. For
additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including contact
information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.
