July 21, 2023 3:00 a.m.
Staff with the Oregon Department of Forestry is asking Oregonians to stay vigilant during this fire season.
An ODF release said over the last several weeks, the department has recognized an uptick in human-caused wildfires. ODF is hoping that human-caused fires do not continue progressing.
With dry fuels, higher temperatures and low humidity, now is the time for residents to actively practice wildfire prevention.
ODF Fire Protection Chief, Mike Shaw said, “We all need to do our part to prevent wildfires from starting throughout the year, but right now everyone needs to be extremely careful”. Shaw said, “With the current conditions, just one spark, cigarette, or open flame could result in Oregon’s next wildfire. Preventing fires from starting helps protect our firefighters and communities from the health, safety, and economic impacts of wildfires and smoke”.
ODF wants residents to actively practice wildfire prevention. That means:
*Check local fire regulations
*Recreate responsibly
*Check and service vehicles regularly
*Keep a fire extinguisher on hand
*Don’t burn debris as that is prohibited across the state during fire season
For current information on fire restrictions and wildfire prevention tips, go to: