Effective Monday, July 10, 2017 at 1:00 AM, the Northwest Oregon Fire Protective Association (NWOFPA) is in Fire Season. This area includes the Tillamook State Forest and the Clatsop State Forest.
Don't let the cooler than average temperatures over the past few weeks fool you, fire season is here and it won't be long until the forests and fields are tinder dry. The Oregon Department of Forestry is ready to respond to any wildland fire situation that might occur but hopes that encouraging folks to practice increased fire safety will prevent the need for fire crews to be dispatched to face the flames of a wildfire.
While this doesn't mean that the Regulated Use Fire Restrictions are in effect, it does mean that sky lanterns, tracer rounds and exploding targets are prohibited on ODF protected lands. It also means most counties are either in a burn ban or will be entering a burn ban soon. You should call your local fire department before lighting any burn piles, even if it's just yard debris. It's also a good time to plan ahead so you have your fire prevention tools and strategies in place for when Regulated Use does go into effect. Prepare your vehicle for visiting State Forests or traveling in rural areas by packing a gallon of water or a 2.5 pound fire extinguisher and a shovel with an 8 inch blade that is at least 26 inches long from the tip of the handle to the tip of the shovel blade.
