SCOFMP Declares fire season
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The following is a press release from the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership.
LAKEVIEW, ORE. – Lack of spring rains, drought conditions, and fire activity throughout the area, fire managers on public lands in south-central Oregon have decided to move into fire season starting Saturday, May 15, 2021, at 12:01 AM Fire danger level will be MODERATE and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will be I.
Moderate Fire Danger means:
Fires can start from most accidental causes, but with the exception of lightning fires in some areas, the number of starts is generally low.
Fires in open-cured grassland will burn briskly and spread rapidly on windy days. Wood fires spread slowly to moderately fast.
The average fire is of moderate intensity, although heavy concentrations of fuel, especially draped fuel, may burn hot. Short-distance spotting may occur, but is not persistent.
Fires are not likely to become serious, and control is relatively easy.
IFPL I: Closed Season - Fire precaution requirements are in effect. A Fire Watch is required at this and all higher levels unless otherwise waived.
Fire extinguisher and shovel must be with each chainsaw
Fire extinguishers must be in all vehicles
Chainsaws must have a .023-inch mesh screen installed in the exhaust
Approved spark arresters must be on all internal combustion engines
Watchmen service must be provided for 1 hour after shutdown of power equipment for the day unless otherwise specified
No smoking is permitted while working or traveling through any operations area on public land except while in enclosed vehicles
Permits to burn are required unless waived in advance
Remember that on public lands, abandoned campfires are the number one source of human-caused wildfires. Most of these campfires stay small and are easy for firefighters to put out, but it only takes one to threaten lives, destroy property, and change a beautiful area forever.
Whether accidental or intentional, people start wildfires every year in south central Oregon. These wildfires cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to suppress and endanger lives and our natural resources. Let us all do our part to protect these places we live by being diligent with our ignitions and leaving all fireworks at home.