The Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Central Oregon District is seeing an uptick in escaped debris burn piles, with several over the past few weeks burning up to 30 acres in size.
For example, a recent 8-acre fire resulted from a week-old burn pile that was assumed to be out cold but rekindled several days later, requiring suppression action by firefighters. Not following burn day instructions, one of which is thoroughly checking the burn piles later when the weather shifts, are the leading causes of these escapes.
Central Oregon District Forester Rob Pentzer reminds residents that escaped debris burns can lead to citations and cost collection from the responsible party for any suppression costs.
“Escaped debris burn fires continue to be the leading human cause of wildfires on private lands.” Pentzer said, “They are also the most preventable, when folks follow the rules.”
ODF Fire Managers and Fire District Chiefs want to remind residents to:
- Check with their local fire district to ensure that burning is allowed on a given day
- Follow all instructions after obtaining any necessary permits.
- Watch the weather forecasts. Wind and rapid weather changes are major factors that can affect the spread of fire from a debris burn.
- Ensure you have a safe fire area cleared around your pile with water and tools readily available.
- Monitor your pile until it has consumed all fuels, then stir with water until the area is out cold. Unattended piles can rekindle and spread later without warning.
With May being Wildfire Awareness Month, now is the time for everyone to take these extra steps to prevent the next wildfire in Oregon. For more wildfire prevention tips, visit KeepOregonGreen.org.
For local ODF burn information, please call:
- Prineville-Sisters Unit – (541) 447-5658
- John Day Unit – (541) 296-9445
- The Dalles Unit – (541) 296-4626
