Fires broke out twice near Memaloose in 2018, causing structure damages, freeway closures, and multi-agency responses.
File photoFire season is now officially in effect on all Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) protected lands. The announcement comes after the ODF Northwest Oregon and North Cascade protection districts declared fire season on July 1. ODF’s Southwest Oregon District was the first to declare fire season June 1.
Fire season is declared at the local district level, with restrictions intended to help prevent human-caused wildfires, according to an ODF press release.
Declarations are based on the National Fire Danger Rating System as well as other local factors, such as weather and conditions on the ground. Fire season generally runs through October and ends based on local conditions.
ODF protects over 16 million acres of private, county, state and federal land, said the press release. For residents within ODF’s 12 fire protection districts, the arrival of fire season means the end of unregulated outdoor debris burning, a leading cause of wildfire. While permits to burn may be issued in some areas, debris burning is generally prohibited throughout the summer due to increased wildfire risk. Violators burning without a permit will be cited and held liable for fire suppression costs.
Other public use fire restrictions are also in effect in several areas. The use of fireworks, tracer ammunition and exploding targets are illegal within ODF protection boundaries, as well as other state and federal lands. Campfires, the mowing of dry, cured grass, cutting and welding, power saw use and other spark-emitting activities are regulated at the local level, depending upon the conditions and fire danger. For example, during low fire danger, mowing may be allowed all day. However, during moderate, high and extreme fire danger mowing may be restricted to early morning or prohibited until conditions improve.
Forest operators are required to follow fire season requirements, including providing a water supply, fire tools, spark arresters on equipment, and fire watch. Similar to fire danger restrictions for the public, operators must follow rules under the four-tiered Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) system.
ODF encourages the public to stay informed of current fire restrictions by visiting the agency’s Fire Restrictions & Closures website, www.oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/Pages/Restrictions.aspx, or calling their local ODF or protective association office. The closest ODF office to Hood River is located in The Dalles at 3701 W. 13th St., and can be reached at 541-296-4626.
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