Wallowa Whitman Fire Danger has Increased to Moderate
By Joe Hathaway on Friday, June 30th, 2023 in Featured Stories Northeastern Oregon News
NORTHEAST OREGON – (Release from Wallowa-Whitman National Forest) Effective Friday, June 30, 2023, the Fire Danger Rating Areas across the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest will be moving to a Fire Danger Rating level of Moderate. This is due to increasing temperatures and drier fuels in the forest. There will be no Public Use Restrictions or Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) changes at this time.
Fire Danger Ratings give the public an idea about how easily fires start and spread. When the fire danger is “Moderate”, fires can start from most accidental causes. If a fire does start in an open, dry grassland, it will burn and spread quickly.
Fire managers consider several factors when elevating Fire Danger Rating levels. Levels are calculated by monitoring weather conditions and measuring the moisture in grass, woody material, and other combustible material. Data from weather stations located across the forest is considered.
“As we head into the 4th of July weekend, it is important for us to remember that 25% of fires that start in our area are human caused with several of those specifically caused by fireworks,” said Joel McCraw, deputy Fire Staff Officer.
Forest officials would also like to remind the public that fireworks are prohibited on all national forest lands. Campfires should be kept small and must be fully extinguished prior to leaving your campsite.
For current information on Fire Danger Rating levels and Public Use Restrictions, visit bmidc.org and click on the “Current Conditions” tab.
