Mini heat wave creates big wildfire dangers
By Kim QuinteroVIDA, Ore. - This mini heat wave means a higher risk of wildfires, as one land owner learned the hard way. It's time again to clear dry brush around the home. Firefighters said the goal is to create a zone around the building which is free of debris. But if your plans are to burn dry shrubs, even the smallest pile could easily rage out of control.
And that's exactly what happened to one Vida home owner just before noon Friday. His small brush fire quickly spread to over an acre of property. It took almost 30 firefighters about an hour to contain the inferno. Luckily no one was hurt, and no buildings were damaged.
"Because they way the weather was yesterday and today, it doesn't surprise me because these quarter inch fuels dry up fast," said Battalion Chief Wes Hively, McKenzie Fire Department.
"Right now with the hot weather, anything- if it's next to some brush, it could creep away into the brush and cause a wildfire," said Protection Supervisor Ken Rose, Oregon Department of Forestry. To avoid future disasters officials said you should know the weather forecast, especially wind speeds. Watch your piles for at least two hours, and check them daily for rekindled embers. Keep a hose and shovel handy. Thoroughly wet down the cleared area and only burn backyard debris. And if you plan to do a little spring cleaning this weekend, you need to have a burn permit.
Land owners could also be liable for firefighting costs if they are responsible for a blaze that gets out of control, and they have not filed a plan to prevent it. |
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October 7, 2008
- Eugene, Oregon
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