State officials from the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Office of State Fire Marshal are encouraging Oregonians to use extreme caution as intense heat and dry thunderstorms are predicted for areas around the state for the next few days.
The increase in heat reduces the humidity and fuel moistures allowing fires to ignite quickly and burn hot and fast. Smoking, off road driving, campfires, mowing dry grass, the use of power saws, exploding targets and fireworks are examples of activities that are either restricted or prohibited entirely during fire season.
Officials advise contacting the local fire district or Oregon Department of Forestry office for specific restrictions in your area.
Also, to reduce the risk of a wildfire around your home, fire officials suggest removing dead vegetation a minimum of 30 feet around your house. In most cases, trees and healthy plants do not need to be removed. However, trees should be pruned and grass kept short and green to keep fire on the ground and more manageable by fire crews. If you’re thinking of landscaping, ask your local nursery or OSU Extension agent about fire resistant plants.
Homeowners should also keep access in mind for large fire trucks. Long driveways should be at least 12 feet wide, have 10 feet of vegetation clearance from the centerline out, and about 14 feet overhead. Large vehicle turnaround areas are critical for your safety as well as firefighter safety.
It is the homeowners’ responsibility to protect their homes by building defensible space. For more information, visit the websites for Keep Oregon Green, Oregon Department of Forestry, or call your nearest ODF or forest protective association office.
Firefighters continue to make good progress on the Stagecoach Fire burning about eight miles northeast of Gilchrist. The fire acreage has been updated to 330 acres, and remains only 10 percent contained due to some active fire behavior along the fireline and occasional torching within the fire perimeter. The fire was determined to be human-caused. Two individuals were illegally residing on BLM-administered lands and left a fire unattended.
Fire activity picked up yesterday as pockets of unburned fuel ignited within the fire perimeter and firefighters conducted small burnout operations.
More than 160 firefighters worked on the fire, mopping up hotspots and holding and improving the containment line. Resources include two hotshot crews, two type 2 hand crews, 17 engines, two dozers, five water tenders and 22 miscellaneous overhead personnel. One spot fire was picked up outside the containment line and was quickly suppressed by firefighters. The night shift will continue to work on the fire overnight. Residual smoke lingers as mop up efforts continue.
The fire was determined to be human-caused. Two individuals were illegally residing on BLM-administered lands and left a fire unattended. The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office arrested the male suspect, Kelly Parker, on charges of first degree arson. Any specific inquiries should be directed to the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office. Forest Service, BLM and Sheriff Officials want to remind people that residency on public lands is illegal. In addition, with conditions getting hotter and drier, everyone should use extreme caution while recreating, make sure fires are completely extinguished when not being watched and to follow all fire restrictions.
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