Wildfire season burns over 10,000 acres so far, as officials warn of human-caused blazes
Isabella Warren
(Update: Adding video, comments from Bend Fire and Rescue)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Recent fires in Central Oregon and across the state are showing how devastating human-caused sparks can be.
About 75% of wildfires are caused by humans, the Oregon Department of Forestry 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.
The Oregon Department of Forestry announced Tuesday that additional fire restrictions would go into effect for the Central Oregon District, starting next Monday.
On Thursday, at least two human-caused fires were started, one near Madras sparked by a mowing property owner who hit a rock, and another in Bend. The Rowena Fire that exploded earlier this week and destroyed at least 20 homes was also found to be human-caused.
“With the high fire danger that we’re in, people need to be aware that approximately 85% of fires are human-caused,” said Cindy Kettring with Bend Fire and Rescue. “So that’s everything from equipment used to discarded cigarettes. Human behavior plays a huge role.”
Residents caught illegally burning or causing a wildfire can face citations, a misdemeanor charge, and even pay for air support to tackle the wildfire.
The Oregon Department of Forestry says the top three causes of human-caused fires are debris burning, equipment use (which includes cars, ATVs, and even lawnmowers), and campfires.