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Post by Wyldcomfort on Jul 3, 2007 7:26:41 GMT -5
Recreational fire prevention a top priority for fire season
Following one of the worst forest fire seasons in recent history for Lincoln County, the Oregon Department of Forestry is asking recreational forest users to take extra care this summer.
Party fires on the rise
In 2006, fire crews from the Toledo office of the Oregon Department of Forestry responded to more than 30 wildland fires in Lincoln County. Seventy-one percent of those fires were caused by recreational forest activities ranging from all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use to escaped campfires. The three most costly incidents of the summer resulted from illegal party fires, a growing problem in the county.
The department asks the public’s help to prevent forest fires by:
adhering to the recreational forest laws during fire season; respecting private forestlands and their designated closure areas; and operating ATVs on gravel roads or certain designated areas only.
Wildfires threaten lives, property
Although the recent rains have helped dramatically, the forests in Lincoln County are drier than average for this time of year. Wildland fires are dangerous to people and cause significant property loss annually. The department urges the public to help local firefighters this summer by acting responsibly while enjoying the variety of forest recreational opportunities Lincoln County has to offer.
Questions about fire season requirements and regulations should be directed to the department’s Toledo office, 541-336-2273.
To report a fire in the forest this summer, call 541-336-2273 or 911.
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