Fire Season Ends for ODF’s Central
Oregon District
[Prineville,
Ore.] Fire Season in Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF)
Central Oregon District will terminate at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, October 16,
2021. Burning of slash piles or other
debris from forest operations or fuels treatment projects will not be permitted
until additional precipitation is received.
Cooler fall temperatures and periodic moisture has reduced fire behavior
and improved fuel conditions across the District.
“Ending Fire
Season doesn’t mean there isn’t a risk of wildfire,” emphasizes Frank
Jones, Wildland Fire Supervisor in Prineville. “People need to be careful if
they are burning, or engaging in any other activity that could spark a
fire. This is the time to be attentive
and cautious.”
Human caused fires
account for 62% (72 fires) of the fires in the Central Oregon District this
year, this is 110% of the ten-year average.
Typically, there is an increase in human caused fires just before the start
of Fire Season, and just after Fire Season ends. These uncontrolled fires are often linked to
careless debris burning or burning in windy conditions and abandoned campfires.
With the termination
of fire season, burning yard debris and the use of burn barrels is allowed,
however these fires should be kept small, and any surrounding fuel should be
cleared away to reduce potential spread.
A fire tool, such as a shovel, and water or a fire extinguisher should
be available to help control the fire if needed. Fires should not be left unattended, should
be DEAD OUT! and cool to the touch when you leave. Check with your local fire district for
burning regulations in your area, including restrictions on campfires and
recreational fires. Failure to follow burn permit instructions or burning
on days when burning is not allowed may result in a citation or liability for
fire suppression work.
·
John Day Unit—Burning
yard debris and burn barrels is allowed.
No permit is required from ODF, check with your local fire department to
determine if they require a permit.
·
Prineville Unit (Sisters Sub-Unit)—A burn permit from ODF or your local fire department is
required for burning yard debris or using a burn barrel.
·
The Dalles Unit—A
burn permit from ODF or your local fire department is required for burning yard
debris or using a burn barrel.
When burning it is important to monitor the weather
and be prepared for shifting and erratic winds which may spread fire outside
the burn area. Wildfires cause damage to Oregon’s natural
resources, including affecting water, soil and air quality and impact local
communities.
Fire Season in the Central Oregon District began June
1st this year, lasting 137 days.
In addition to the 72 human caused wildfires which burned 2,632 acres,
there were 44 wildfires caused by lightning which burned 2,432 acres. Lightning
fires were 66% of the ten-year average. Overall,
5,063 acres were burned across Central Oregon District protected lands, 58% of
the ten-year average. Eighty-five
percent of the fires were contained at less than ten acres.
For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon
District, including contact information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.
