TECH

Fire season begins Thursday in Northwest Oregon

Tracy Loew
Statesman Journal

Due to increasing fire danger, fire season will begin Thursday in the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Northwest district.

That means forest operators and the public must take special precautions in state, private and U.S. Bureau of Land Management forests protected by ODF in Tillamook, Washington, Yamhill, Clatsop, Columbia, and Multnomah counties, and part of Lincoln County.

For the general public, burning permits are required for open pile burning and burn barrels, and fireworks and sky lanterns are prohibited.

A countywide ban on open pile burning is in effect in Tillamook County, and all burning will be banned Aug. 1. Residents in other counties should check with their local ODF office or fire department to find out burning restrictions.

ODF offers the following tips for preventing wildfires:

  • Never leave your fire unattended.
  • When burning debris, always have a hose and shovel at the fire to prevent it from spreading.
  • Check with your local fire protection agency prior to burning. (Most Rural Fire Protection Districts require a burn permit year round.)
  • If camping, ensure your campfire is in a designated area.
  • Always make sure your campfire is out cold before leaving.
  • On the beach, keep your campfire far from beach grass and drift wood piles.

ODF declared fire season in its West district on July 5. It includes Benton and Polk counties, and part of Lincoln County. Open burning is banned in Benton and Polk counties.

tloew@statesmanjournal.com, 503-399-6779 or follow at Twitter.com/Tracy_Loew

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