May 2, 2022 3:00 a.m.
May is Wildfire Awareness Month and Keep Oregon Green, in partnership with federal, state, and local fire organizations, is reminding Oregonians that this month is a crucial time for communities to create defensible space around homes and learn how to prevent careless, unwanted wildfires this summer.
A release from the Oregon Department of Forestry said so far in 2022, temperatures have been above average and conditions have been drier than normal. More than half of Oregon’s land area have received emergency drought declarations and the potential for large, costly wildfires is expected as early as this month or next in southern and central Oregon.
Kristin Babbs, president of Keep Oregon Green Association said, “The snowpack improved with recent snow and rainfall in April, but there is still real worry ahead”. Babbs said, “With fire seasons routinely starting earlier than usual and the current drought situation, we are emphasizing the need for Oregonians to pay attention to the conditions, not the calendar”. Sparks or embers from early season activities could get traction, so it’s important to be ready and have fire tools on hand at all times, according to Babbs.
The release said over seventy percent of Oregon’s wildfires are started by people, placing the power of prevention squarely in the hands of Oregonians. Public lands will see high visitation numbers for the third year in a row, making the need for wildfire awareness and prevention practices more important than ever. ODF said before heading outdoors, residents should contact the agency or landowner who manages the lands at their destination for an update on current fire restrictions or bans. Residents staying close to home should also check fire restrictions before building backyard campfires or using equipment that could ignite dry vegetation, such as lawn mowers or weed trimmers.
Wildfire safety tips can be found at www.keeporegongreen.org.