The New Era - All about Sweet Home since 1929

Open fire restrictions are in effect across the Willamette National Forest.

This spring was significantly drier than normal with long-term drought persisting across much of the western Cascades. The recent heat wave has accelerated the drying of fuels across the forest.

The critically dry conditions are receptive to new ignitions and are conducive to rapid fire spread. The predicted weather forecast calls for continued warm and dry conditions with no precipitation expected in the foreseeable future. This creates an elevated risk of fire throughout the summer months.

“Visitor use on pu...