Siuslaw National Forest raised its fire danger rating from moderate to high starting Wednesday as western Oregon continues to see hot, dry weather typical of late summer.
Fire managers said crews have already caught and put out several small fires on the forest this year and they’re asking the public to stay alert as conditions worsen.
“Local firefighters have already detected and contained several small fires on the forest this year,” Anne Trapanese, deputy fire staff officer-fuels with Northwest Oregon Interagency Fire Management, said through a news release. “With the hot and dry conditions in western Oregon, we want to urge the public to remain vigilant in preventing human-caused wildfires and follow all fire restrictions.”
Stage 1 fire restrictions, which were already in place before the danger-level increase, remain in effect. Campfires, charcoal and briquette fires, pellet stoves and other open flames are banned outside of designated recreation sites and campgrounds. Portable cooking stoves and lanterns that run on liquefied or bottled fuel are still permitted because they can be shut off instantly.
Campfires remain allowed within developed campgrounds and other designated recreation areas, including the dispersed sand camping zones in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and Sand Lake Recreation Area.
Forest officials said restriction levels could change as conditions shift, and updates will be posted to the Siuslaw National Forest fire information page.
Officials shared the following guidance for anyone recreating in or near the forest this summer:
- Never leave a campfire unattended, and fully extinguish it until it’s cold to the touch.
- Keep campfires small and clear of overhanging branches and limbs.
- Keep vehicles off dry vegetation.
- Make sure motorized equipment has proper spark arresters.
- Secure trailer chains so they don’t drag on the roadway.
- Follow all local fire restrictions.
- Sign up for emergency alerts through your local county.
- Know where to find up-to-date evacuation information for your area.
The Forest Service is posting updates on Facebook and X at @SiuslawNF. To report a wildfire, call 911.