Wildfire Prevention

If Oregonians love our forests, we shouldn’t be setting them on fire.

Preventing human-caused wildfires is everyone’s responsibility! Whether you are a resident or a tourist, Keep Oregon Green wants everyone to follow basic wildfire safety tips when exploring our state’s beautiful green spaces. We can protect Oregon from wildfire by being aware of current weather conditions and following local fire restrictions. Below you will discover the most common ways that people start wildfires.

6 Common Reasons How People Start Wildfires

Overconfidence -“I’ve always done it this way and nothing bad every happened”

Short cuts – “I know the lawnmower is hot, but if I can just fill the empty gas tank now, I can finish what’s left and be done quicker.”

Lack of knowledge – “I didn’t know that you shouldn’t park or idle a hot car over tall, dry grass.”

Complacency – “Come celebrate our August wedding anniversary by the bonfire. It’s an annual tradition for our family and we do it every year.”

Distractions – “The burn pile is almost out. I’m gonna go watch the rest of that football game.”

Not prepared – “I didn’t have fire tools on hand because I thought it was humid enough that the fire wouldn’t get out of control.”

Campfires

Campfires/open fires

Sitting around a campfire and telling stories, singing or playing music and making S’mores is something we all enjoy. However, campfires can quickly lead to a devastating wildfire without preparation and a watchful eye. Recreation fires are the third leading cause of wildfires in Oregon, so it’s important to learn how to stop these fires before they start.

Below are some essential tips on how to prevent your campfire from starting a wildfire.

• Clear around the campfire site and circle the pit with rocks.
• Keep your campfire small.
• Attend your fire at all times.
• Burn wood only.
• Always have water and a shovel on site.
• Before calling it a night or leaving for home, make sure it’s DEAD out.

Smoking

Smoking is your right, BUTT please put it out right.

If you are young and smoking, the smartest thing to do is quit. In the meantime, be safe, be smart, and make sure your smoking material is out and properly disposed of. Cigarette butts can smolder for hours after discarded before touching off a fire.

• Dispose of smoking materials in deep, sturdy ashtrays.
• Make sure butts and ashes are extinguished by using water or sand.
• NEVER discard butts on the ground or in vegetation outdoors. Shredded wood, bark dust and fine grasses can easily ignite.

Fireworks

Celebrating the 4th in Oregon? Leave fireworks at home if you’re heading outdoors. They’re banned on beaches, parks, campgrounds, and forestlands.

Only use legal fireworks from Oregon-approved vendors—and only on pavement, away from people, cars, and dry vegetation.

Follow the 4 B’s:
Be Prepared: Keep pets safe, water nearby.
Be Safe: Adults only, outdoors only.
Be Responsible: Soak & toss used fireworks.
Be Aware: Know what’s legal and where.

Gas-powered Equipment

Equipment fires typically rank as the second leading cause of wildfires on state-protected lands in Oregon. Spring is the time to clean up excess vegetation, not during the summer when fuels are dry and susceptible to a spark from a steel blade striking a rock or emitted by a hot exhaust system. Use the right tool for the job and help keep your equipment from starting the next wildfire.

Call first to find out if equipment use is restricted

Check with your local forestry district or fire department to learn if there are any current restrictions or regulations in effect. Some areas may restrict their use depending on weather and fuel conditions.

Use gas-powered equipment early in the day when the humidity is higher and temperatures are lower.

Use a weed trimmer with plastic line.

Use a weed trimmer with plastic line, vs. metal blades. Remove rocks and other objects in the area that can strike a blade, create sparks and start a wildfire.

Keep the exhaust system in proper working order, spark arresters clear of carbon build-up, and the engine free of oil and dust.

Make sure your gas-powered tools are equipped with approved spark arresters.

Keep a fire extinguisher or water-charged hose close by.

Vehicles

Always Service Your Vehicle

If you’re driving an on or off-road vehicle, it’s important to have it serviced regularly before hitting the road. Cars, motorcycles and ATV’s can easily cast sparks or overheat – especially if they’re older or not maintained. Review tips to prevent vehicle-caused wildfires.

• Operate ATVs on established roads and trails.
• Park on developed surfaces. Park on gravel surfaces or developed roadside pull-outs to avoid a vehicle’s hot exhaust system touching dry grass and starting a fire.
• Ensure all parts of your vehicle are secure. Ensure all parts of your vehicle, from mufflers to chains, are secure and not dragging.
• Check your vehicle’s tire pressure, wheel bearing lubrication, and the possible metal-on-metal contact of worn-out brakes.
• Maintain and clean exhaust systems and spark arrestors.

Target shooting

Shoot Smart

Recognize the fire risk of recreational shooting under hot, dry weather conditions and be vigilant about prevention and risk. Bullets are extremely hot on impact, and the fragments of metal jacketing that land in dry grasses or other flammable material can ignite vegetation.

• Don’t shoot on hot, dry days. Voluntarily stop target shooting by 1pm, and stay on site for at least an hour afterward to ensure that no fires have started from shooting activities.
• Always shoot into a non-flammable backstop of mineral soil.
• Be sure it is clear of flammable debris for 20 feet on all sides.
• Always have a fire extinguisher or water and shovel ready at hand.
• Check all backstops and shooting areas for any smoke.