Malheur NF requests assistance from National Wildfire Prevention Education Team
By Logan Bagett on Wednesday, July 28th, 2021 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
JOHN DAY, PRAIRIE CITY & HINES, OR – (Press release from the Malheur National Forest)
The Malheur National Forest is experiencing extreme drought conditions. Fuels (forest vegetation) are dryer now than they were in 2015 when homes were lost to the Canyon Creek wildfire. The Region is currently under a National Planning Level 5, which means fire conditions are extreme and that firefighters and fire-fighting equipment are scarce. Under these conditions people using the Forest for recreation can become trapped if a fast-moving wildfire starts. Therefore, you need to have a plan and know what is happening in your area.
Because of the extreme drought condition and the risk of wildfire, the Malheur National Forest has requested the assistance of a National Wildfire Prevention Education Team to aid the Forest in informing the community of the present wildfire dangers. People who use the national forest for hunting, hiking, camping and other recreation activities need to be aware of all fire restrictions, current dangers, and how they can help prevent human-caused wildfires.
This part of Oregon has received less than a half inch of rain during June and July. Sarah Bush, Deputy Fire Staff Officer for the Malheur National Forest said, “It has been hot and dry for so long, that it would take 3 or 4 days of soaking rain to make a difference.” She added, “Lack of moisture and cool nights are sucking all the moisture out of the vegetation.”
The “historical” average temperature highs and lows of this part of Oregon for June and July follow:
June 69 high, 41 low
July 82 high, 48 low
The average temperature highs and lows for June and July 2021:
June 87 high, 58 low
July 93 high, 59 low
The wildfire risks will continue until late September or early October when the forest receives greater than 2” of precipitation over a time period greater than 36 hours.
Anyone who would like to know about the current fire restrictions can call 541-575-3113 or visit the Malheur NF Facebook page at @MalheurNationalForest or the Malheur NF website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/malheur/.
