Fire Officials: Don’t Let Down Guard On Wildfires

This weekend is seen as the unofficial end of summer.  And while the kids are back in school, and temperatures across the Inland Northwest have dropped, fire officials are reminding all outdoor lovers to use caution when visiting the forest this weekend.  Rich Hoover with the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office told the Washington Ag Network the timber areas across Eastern Oregon aver very dry and susceptible to wildfires.

He said don’t let the clouds and cooler temperatures fool you.

“You know, no pun intended, but we’re not out of the woods just yet, fuels are still really dry, there’s predicted winds, there will be some light rains, but  it’s not nearly going to be enough moisture to cancel out for the dryness of those potential fuels.”

Hoover said they seen several fires this year that have been labeled as suspicious, and being investigated as possible arson.  He says if you see careless activities this weekend, whether in state or federal forests, contact law enforcement as soon as possible.

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