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Governor Ted Kulongoski
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2005 Weekly Update - Fire Conditions
March 30, 2005
The recent rainfall has improved the short-term wildfire outlook for much of the state. The rain has raised the moisture content of fine forest fuels, such as grasses. The wet weather pattern is predicted to extend into the second week of April. The increased in percipitation will increase the moisture content of heavy forest fuels (large limbs, downed logs) as well.
 
Here is the current tally of wildfires on the 16 million acres of private and public forestland protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry, with comparative figures for last year on this date:
 
 Jan 1 - Mar 29, 2005
 Cause
 Acres Burned
 Total Fires = 52
 Lightning
 1
 
 Human Caused
 52
 
 Total Acres
274
     
 Jan 2 - Mar 17, 2004    
Total Fires = 7
Lightning
0
Human Caused
23
Total Acres
45
 
FIRE PREVENTION TIP
To protect your family and home from wildfire, start developing clear space around your property by removing all dead and dying brush and trees.
 
FIREFIGHTING READINESS
Click here for an overview Oregon's preparations for the 2005 wildfire season and other firefirefighting information.
March 23, 2005
Residence lost in the Bland Mountain fire near Days Creek
August 2004 - Bland Mountain fire in Douglas County
The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is in the process of recruiting seasonal firefighters and preparing for the upcoming fire season. 
 
ODF has closed the bidding for private contract fire crews and are currently reviewing the credentials of the contracting companies and their crews. When this process is completed, they expect to have 280 to 300, twenty-person ground crews available for fighting wildfires.  These crews will be available to fight fires in Oregon, Washington and other states.  Oregon's Department of Forestry administers the contract for all the member fire agencies of the Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordinating Group.
 
ODF has closed the bidding for two heavy air tankers (fire retardant-dropping airplanes) and are currently reviewing credentials. These two airplanes are expected to be activated to fight fire July 1.
March 21, 2005
Near Days Creek
August 2004 - Bland Mountain fire in Douglas County
 
Over the past week, several wildfires have occurred across the state. Unseasonably dry, warm conditions have lowered the moisture content of forest fuels, triggering fire behavior more typical of later in the spring. Here are current fire statistics for the 16 million acres of private and public forestlands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. Statistics from a year ago are provided for comparison.
 
 Jan 1 - Mar 17, 2005
 Cause
 Acres Burned
 Total Fires = 45
 Lightning
 1
 
 Human Caused
 44
 
 Total Acres
 45
     
 Jan 2 - Mar 17, 2004    
Total Fires = 7
Lightning
0
Human Caused
8
Total Acres
8
 
The weather forecast holds promise at least for the short-term. Rain is expected in some areas of the state starting this weekend and continuing for the next 10 days or so. There may be some substantial amounts, indicating a major shift in the weather pattern. This predicted moisture won´t break the drought, but it will moderate some of the immediate impacts.

Fire - Weekly Updates

March 21, 2005

Fire - More Information

FAQ's

Agency Links

Department_of_Forestry
Department_of_Fish_&_Wildlife
 
Page updated: October 22, 2006

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