Fire season on all lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s South Cascade and Western Lane districts began Monday morning, June. 9.
Starting Monday, the district’s fire danger level is “Moderate” (blue), and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will be I (one).
Earlier this year, fire managers were optimistic regarding this year’s fire season due to the higher-than-normal snowpack and winter rainfall. However, due to the decline in spring rain and rise in temperatures, conditions in the districts are quickly changing to be more susceptible to fire, according to an ODF statement.
Before bringing a fire hazard on the landscape, check the fire restrictions in your local area or the area you’re traveling to.
Beginning June 9, the South Cascade District, which includes Linn County, has implemented restrictions based on moderate (blue) fire danger level. Those include the following activities:
- No debris burning, including piles and burn barrels, unless permitted by the local forester.
- Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited.
- No smoking while traveling through or working in any operational area.
- Use of spark emitting equipment (power saws, mowers, etc.), including the mowing of dried cured grass, is prohibited after 1 p.m. and before 8 p.m.
In addition to the fire prevention requirements Under IFPL I (one), the following is in effect:
- A fire watch is required for a minimum of one hour during breaks and at the end of the operational period.
Additional fire restrictions or regulations may apply depending on the changing fire risks throughout the fire season.
The Oregon Department of Forestry urges residents not to become complacent in wildfire prevention. The fewer human-caused fires we have, the less the district’s resources are strained.
ODF’s Western Lane and South Cascade District protect state and private lands in Linn, Lane, and northern Douglas County. For tips on wildfire prevention, visit www.keeporegongreen.org. Check your local restrictions at www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.