Fire Risk Alert Issued As Dry and Windy Conditions Prevail Across Oregon

After a prolonged dry weather pattern and a forecast of strong east winds, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) issued a warning about an increased fire risk.

Increase Fire Risk In Oregon

The National Weather Service predicts east winds with gusts reaching up to 30 mph, which increase the likelihood of fire starts.

ODF reminded the public that embers from past burns can remain active beneath the surface- even during winter, and could reignite under dry and windy conditions.

ODF indicated that, in light of the prevailing conditions, residents should:

• Monitor and patrol all debris or slash-burn sites from previous months to prevent potential wildfires.
• Check burn sites for residual heat, and- if heat is detected, the area should be saturated with water, and the materials should be stirred. This process should be repeated until the site is cool to the touch.

Weather forecasts suggest that similar conditions- including light easterly winds and below-freezing overnight temperatures, could persist through the end of January and into February. ODF fire districts are prepared to respond to any new fire starts over the weekend.