| 2005 Weekly Update - Fire Conditions |
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| April 6, 2005 |
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Oregon National Guard's Firehawk (mouse over for more info.)
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April Fire Outlook
The wet weather is expected to continue, with above-normal rainfall predicted for April. Most of the rain will occur west of the Cascades, though eastern Oregon will get its share as well. The extended dampness is raising forest fuel moisture levels and lowering the threat of wildfire.
Fire Protection System
Prison inmate crews have long been a key component of Oregon's wildfire protection system. The Department of Forestry recently signed an agreement with the Department of Corrections for inmate fire crews to fight fire during the 2005 season. Corrections will provide 33 10-person fire crews from its facilities throughout the state. These inmate crews receive the same training as regular fire crews and will be assigned to fireline duty alongside them. Department of Corrections officers accompany the inmate crews to fires. Corrections will also provide six camp crews. These specially trained inmate crews operate mobile kitchens at large fires to feed two shifts of firefighters a day, 24/7.
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