Statewide – Temperatures may have moderated somewhat but Governor Kate Brown and State Fire Marshal Jim Walker want you to remain vigilant in preventing wildfire and reporting arsonists.
The Oregon Department of Forestry has reported that since January 1, 2016, there have been 486 wildfires caused by humans with at least one due to arson. This is an increase over our ten-year average.
Fourteen fires that have broken out in central Oregon over the past few weeks are being investigated as arson, including the Withers Fire north of Paisley that has scorched more than 3,400 acres.
“Oregon continues to experience extremely dry conditions where any stray spark could spell disaster in any area of the state,” said State Fire Marshal Jim Walker.
“While you and your family are enjoying Oregon’s great outdoors, I encourage you to not only be fire safe but be alert to any suspicious behavior and report it to local law enforcement officials,” said Governor Kate Brown.
Tips can also be made by calling the Oregon State Police at 503-375-3555 or 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.
