Sean C. Morgan
Fire danger is low now, but forest officials still urge people to remain cautious.
“Even though we’ve had rain and it’s been wet, you get in a slash unit on the south slope, it’ll burn,” Forest Protection Supervisor Jim Basting of the Oregon Department of Forestry Sweet Home Unit said. People still need to be careful with what they do in the woods.
Regulated use is no longer in effect, Basting said, but people, especially with hunting season just beginning, need to be careful with warming fires.
All of the timber companies, including Cascade Timber Consulting, Weyerhaeuser and others, still do not want visitors lighting campfires on their property.
“It’s always best to find out where you’re going and who’s property you’re on,” Basting said. Persons should call companies ahead of time to find out rules for their private property. Many of them do not mind people walking in as long as people are courteous.
Fire season is nearing the end, Basting said. It will not recover and be like it was at the end of August.
“The next big rain will probably end it,” Basting said.
The burn ban was lifted on Friday, but while in fire season, persons are still required to get a permit for burning on lands protected by the Department of Forestry.
Persons can call 367-6108 for further information about permits and burning.
Backyard burning can begin again once fire season officially ends, Basting said.
Although regulated use has been lifted, Basting said, it is still a good idea to carry a shovel and fire extinguisher, and campers and hunters should make sure fires are out before they leave them.
“Over the years, we’ve had some real oddball things happen when people leave fires,” Basting said.