Oregon Department of Forestry declares the start of fire season

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — The Oregon Department of Forestry declared the start of fire season across all of its districts on July 3.

The Department of Forestry is asking the public to follow all local fire restrictions to limit the risk of human-caused wildfires in the state. The announcement comes as the Fourth of July is expected to coincide with a statewide heatwave.

“As we move into the Fourth of July and the holiday weekend, it’s important to remember that forests and fireworks do not mix,” the ODF stated Wednesday. “Fireworks are banned in all State Forest designated recreation sites including campgrounds, camping areas, day-use areas, trailheads, staging areas, and boat launch sites. Remember to check any additional city and county firework restrictions as well.”

ODF Protection Division Chief Chris Cline said that humans are the primary cause of wildfires in Oregon.

“Mid-July and August are known for high fire occurrence due to increased lightning activity, but human activities continue to be the leading source of Oregon’s wildfires,” Cline said. “Right now, is the time to practice fire safety and preparedness. Wildfire is already on the landscape.”

The ODF offers the following tips for preventing wildfires:

• Know before you go. Campfires may be banned or only allowed in approved campgrounds.
• Make sure your campfire is cool to the touch before going to sleep or leaving your site. Don’t forget to drown, stir, repeat.
• Backyard debris burning either requires a burn permit during fire season or is prohibited altogether. If you burned earlier this spring, go back and check on your debris burn site to make sure nothing reignites due to the heat.
• Don’t flick a cigarette onto the ground. It may be just enough to start a fire.
• Don’t park or idle over dried grass.
• Don’t drag tow chains.
• Check local restrictions and fire danger levels.

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