Oregon Department of Forestry talks about new fire restrictions, local ‘high fire danger’ update
Claire Elmer
(Update: Adding video)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Forestry announced Tuesday that additional fire restrictions would go into effect for the Central Oregon District, starting on Monday, June 16th.
Just hours later, an update: The Central Oregon District is now in HIGH fire danger risk.
We spoke with an ODF representative to find out what led to these additional restrictions and increased risk level.
Jessica Neujahr told KTVZ News what they take into account when changing levels.
“We take cues off of multiple factors, and then from that, make the decision to go up another level in the fire danger. (This time), it was a lot on the high temperatures and the current drying trends that we’re seeing,” said Neujahr.
Some of the restrictions limit what activities can be done – along with where, and when. These also apply to private land.
“We do our best to ride the line of not over0restricting, while also keeping in mind the conditions and making sure that people are safe. These restrictions are a tool to reduce the number of human-caused fires,” said Neujahr.
As far as how you can help prevent wildfires, staying up to date on your district’s levels and advisories is number one. ODF also recommends keeping certain supplies in your car or on your person, if you are going to a high-risk area.
“Keep water in your car and a small shovel,” she said. “Because then, if you do see a spark or unattended campfire that wasn’t put out properly, you’re prepared to help take that next step in preventing wildfire by then putting it out.”
About 75% of wildfires are human-caused, the agency says. With Central Oregon’s fire season getting off to a dry, hot start, ODF wants to remind the community that we all need to work together to reduce our risk.
“Fire is the reality of Oregon right now. It’s not a new normal. We’re living in it. And it is everyone’s responsibility from federal, state, and local agencies to Oregonians to practice that wildfire prevention and do our part in preventing wildfire in the state,” said Neujahr.
For a list of precautions and additional information, you can find KTVZ’s earlier article here from when the statement was first updated. For further details from ODF, you can visit the ODF website here.