Oregon Firefighters Warn Fire Season Not Over Until Weather Changes

At a briefing in Springfield on Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden and U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle received an end-of-season briefing from federal and state firefighters on the current state of the fire season.

Despite being halfway through October, U.S. Forest Service Deputy Regional Forester Merv George Jr. confirmed there are still 1,700 firefighters working against a dozen active fire incidents in Oregon.

Fire Season In Oregon Is Not Over Yet

With three decades of experience in natural resource management, George said the 2 million acres burned in the Pacific Northwest has been one of the most unpredictable seasons he has seen so far. He said they are waiting for season-ending weather to end the fire season, and “Make no mistake, fire season is still here.”

At the meeting at the Willamette National Forest Bureau of Land Management Interagency Office, George said it was a good opportunity to share firefighters’ stories and point out the need for federal resources for suppression and preventative maintenance.

Wyden confirmed there is still a lot to do to support Oregon’s wildfire fighting and fire suppression efforts. Proposals to prevent and reduce the risk of fires in the future were put forward that included:

• More prescribed burns to reduce the huge debris buildup on the forest floor in the cooler months.
• Permanent increases in firefighter pay to be competitive with the private sector.
• The importance of supporting fire victims.

Jackson, Josephine, and Curry Counties Reduce Fire Level To Low After Widespread Rain

Rain and lower temperatures in Jackson, Josephine, and Curry counties led to the fire danger level being reduced to “low.” The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District said the lowering came into effect at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. respectively yesterday.

Several restrictions are still in place and more information is available from ODF Southwest’s website or at their offices at:

Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Road in Central Point, call 541-664-3328

Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Drive in Grants Pass, call 541-474-3152

Curry County website, call 541-267-1789.

Moderate Fire Danger Level In Klamath, Lake Counties

Effective from midnight last night, the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership reduced the fire danger level to moderate in Klamath and Lake counties.

The decision is based on current temperatures, relative humidity, and fuel moisture levels, as well as projected weather conditions expected in the coming weeks.

Oregonians have been requested to continue being vigilant and use caution.