Oregon wildfire risk grows amid dry-out, incoming heat waves, fireworks
Central Oregon’s wildfire risk has increased to “above normal” for July and August, while the rest of the state will face increased risk amid an incoming heat wave and Fourth of July celebrations.
Central Oregon wildfire risk increases amid dry-out, rapid wildfire growth
Forecasters increased the danger of large wildfires in Central Oregon to “above normal” in a monthly report issued July 1 by the National Interagency Fire Center.
The Darlene 3 Fire, which brought level 3 “go now” evacuations to the town of La Pine, burned fast to almost 4,000 acres last week. It was just one of multiple blazes that took over east of the Cascades last week.
“Things have become quite a lot drier than we’d normally see on July 1, so that’s one factor,” said John Saltenberger, fire weather program manager for the Northwest Coordination Center. “We’ve also seen an excessive buildup of grassy fuels over the last two years that are quickly drying out.
“Lastly, the wildfires we’ve seen like Darlene 3 have took off and burned a lot hotter and faster than we’d expect at this point. When you add all that up, we couldn’t ignore that Central Oregon was ripe for large and costly fire more so than a normal year.”
The year began with wildfire officials optimistic that this season — the first without any drought statewide since June 2017 — could end up on the mellow side compared to recent years. However, an early spate of east side fires combined with an incoming heat wave appears likely to challenge that hope.
Fireworks, heat wave to challenge firefighters
Oregon’s hottest weather of the year is forecast to strike right at one of the most dangerous times for ignitions — the Fourth of July.
Temperatures are forecast to be in the 90s and even 100s beginning on a holiday where people often shoot of fireworks.
“With temperatures rising, the potential for wildfires is significantly heightened, and Oregonians should take extra precautions to make sure everyone is safe,” the Oregon State Fire Marshal said in a news release.
Some cities, including Portland and Eugene, have banned fireworks. They’re also illegal on public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
“Fireworks pose a serious fire threat,” said Kevin Reese, fire management officer for the Northwest Oregon Interagency Fire Management Center. “People often assume fireworks restrictions apply just to forested areas, but they also include campgrounds and sparsely vegetated areas, which are susceptible to burning especially under dry conditions.”
Campfires are banned in much of central and southern Oregon, except within the campfire rings of developed campgrounds. Fire restrictions are also likely to ramp up as the weather gets hotter into the weekend.
In addition to campfires, officials noted that off-highway vehicles and cars can also start fires if not properly maintained. Smoking can also cause fires.
“Roadside fires are one of the top three fire causes in the Pacific Northwest,” said Jacob Gear, Forest Service regional fire prevention coordinator. “There are a few simple things we can do, like checking for dragging chains, servicing our brakes, and checking our tire pressure, to reduce the risk of a wildfire.”
Gear suggests everyone keep a fire extinguisher in their vehicle, because wildfires can be easily sparked by motor vehicles during hot, dry summer weather.
“Our fine fuels, like grass, dry quickly and can ignite easily. Just driving through or parking your car on tall grass could easily ignite a wildfire,” he said.
Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 16 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. Urness is the author of “Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon” and “Hiking Southern Oregon.” He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6801. Find him on X at @ZachsORoutdoors.
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon wildfire risk grows amid heat waves, Fourth of July
