Due to increasingly hot and dry conditions, Siuslaw National Forest officials raised fire danger Monday evening from low to moderate, the agency announced.
“This transition serves notice that fire risk is escalating and the public needs to be extra vigilant on forested lands,” a statement reads in a July 9 press release.
There are currently no public use restrictions in place for fire, but officials urge everyone to exercise caution while recreating in the woods, especially for those with a campfire.
“While the lush forests of the Coast Range and the Oregon Coast offer relief from high summer temperatures, these areas are still susceptible to fire,” Kevin Reese, fire management officer for the Northwest Oregon Interagency Fire Management Organization, said through the news release. “As thick vegetation dries out, fire danger is only going to increase.”
Reese said that each year, the majority of fires that start on the Siuslaw National Forest are caused by humans.
The forest advises the following for those who plan to have campfires:
- A campfire should be contained in a pre-existing or robust fire ring with a shovel and water in reach.
- The campfire should be kept small and at least 5 feet away from any flammable material, including overhanging tree limbs.
- Never leave a campfire unattended.
- Ensure that any burning material is cold to the touch before leaving the area.
Fire restrictions can change quickly, forest officials added, and they encourage the public to check local conditions before visiting forest lands. For more fire information, Siuslaw National Forest posts information and updates on its website.
