Scorching Fourth of July heat fuels wildfire concerns for Oregon, Washington
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The 90 to 100-degree temperatures forecast for the long Fourth of July weekend are causing heightened wildfire concerns in the Pacific Northwest.
KOIN 6 Meteorologist Josh Cozart predicts a high of 92 degrees in Portland on the Fourth of July. Temperatures will continue to rise into the weekend with highs of 98 degrees on Friday, 100 degrees on Saturday and 97 degrees on Sunday.
“Some of the hottest temperatures so far this year are expected to move into the Pacific Northwest this week,” Cozart said. “This isn’t expected to be a single-day event. Portland will likely keep above average temperatures for multiple days spanning from the Fourth of July through the holiday weekend.”
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Oregon state climatologist Larry O’Neill told KOIN 6 News that the heat will create dangerous wildfire conditions across the region. Areas east of the Cascades will see the driest conditions this week, according to data provided by the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center. But western Oregon is also forecast for a dry weekend.
“The hot weather will continue to dry out fuels and increase wildfire risk by Saturday across Oregon and Washington,” O’Neill said. “Fuel moisture levels are predicted to become extremely dry for this time of year due to high temperatures, low humidity and abundant sunshine.”
Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple is calling for caution as the public prepares to set off Fourth of July fireworks.
“We’ve already seen this year how wildfires can impact communities with the Darlene 3 Fire in Deschutes County,” Ruiz-Temple said. “… We all need to do our part to keep Oregon safe and enjoy a fun, fire-free Fourth of July.”
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Oregon prohibits the possession, use, or sale of fireworks that shoot into the air, explode or travel more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground, without a permit, the State Fire Marshal’s office warns. This ban included bottle rockets, Roman candles and firecrackers.
“Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage are liable and may be required to pay fire suppression costs or other damages,” the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office states. “Parents are liable for fireworks damage caused by their children.”
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