Vale Bureau of Land Management asks public to help prevent wildfires

Vale, OR – (Release from Vale BLM) An unusually dry spring is resulting in human-caused wildfires long before the more typical start of wildfire season in July, according to the Vale District Bureau of Land Management.

“This is not typical for April and May,” said Fire Prevention Officer Al Crouch. “People need to exercise more caution than normal for this time of year.”

Most starts on the Vale District are caused by equipment, with the majority of those being vehicle-related, such as dragging parts or chains, worn brake pads creating sparks, and parking or driving through dry grass and vegetation.

Less frequent human causes of wildfires on the Vale District are unattended or abandoned campfires, but they have become more common since interest in outdoor recreation skyrocketed in recent years.

“We attribute this to people doing the right thing by managing their campfires well and making sure they are completely extinguished before leaving,” Crouch said, “but we can’t let our guard down, especially this spring.”

Before your next outdoor adventure, take some time to consider the wildfire risks and do what you can to prevent a wildfire from starting.

First, check your vehicle and address worn brakes, clogged exhausts, underinflated or flat tires, poorly greased bearings, and ensure there are no dragging parts, trailer chains or tow straps. Clear your undercarriage of accumulated grass and weeds, which can easily take a spark. Always carry a fire extinguisher in your vehicle. 

Choose camping locations that are already cleared of flammable vegetation. If you are going to have a campfire, make sure it is contained and remove any dry grass or vegetation around it. Use a bucket of water and a shovel to make sure your fire is dead-out before leaving it at any time.  If using charcoal for heat or cooking, drown the coals in the same manner. Never dump hot coals into vegetation. 

“A little preparation and care can go a long way and lead to a fire-safe trip in the outdoors,” Crouch said. “Enjoy your public lands and do your part to help protect this resource, our communities, and our heritage for generations to come. It’s everyone’s responsibility to help prevent wildfires. One less spark could mean one less wildfire.”

For more information about Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, visit https://www.blm.gov/orwafire

-BLM-

This year, we invite everyone to reimagine your public lands as we celebrate 75 years of the BLM’s stewardship and service to the American people. The BLM manages approximately 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s publiclands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. 

---

---

---

---

Elkhorn Media Group