May is Wildfire Awareness Month. Oregon experiences its heaviest wildfire activity during the summer months, but fires can occur at any time of year including spring.
Keep Oregon Green, in partnership with federal, state, tribal and local fire and emergency response agencies, will be spreading the word about the steps we call can take to prevent the start of careless, unwanted wildfires this summer, and encouraging Oregonians to create defensible space around homes and outbuildings.
At stake: lives, property and scenic beautyEach year, over 70% of Oregon’s wildfires are started by people. Many are a result of escaped debris burn piles or gas-powered equipment and vehicles casting sparks or catching fire. During the 2024 fire season, the Oregon Department of Forestry reported that people were directly responsible for sparking 723 wildfires that burned 92,107 acres. Any spark can gain traction in dry vegetation, spread quickly and impact lives, personal property, and the many benefits provided by Oregon’s scenic natural areas.
Before heading outdoors this summer, be sure to contact the agency or landowner who manages the land at your destination for an update on current fire restrictions or bans. Everyone should be familiar with these restrictions before building open fires or using equipment that could ignite a wildfire.
Only You Can Prevent Wildfires
Keep Oregon Green has been fighting wildfire with publicity since 1941, and this season the Association is reviving vintage billboard artwork from the 1950’s with Smokey’s timeless image and well-known slogan. This year’s campaign calls on the public to predict the outcome of their actions and do everything they can to prevent wildfire ignitions. Campaign artwork, PSAs, and additional wildfire safety tips can be found at keeporegongreen.org and its various social media platforms.
Coming soon: More Wildfire Awareness Month tips
During May, a new wildfire prevention topic will be shared each week to help homeowners and recreationists learn how to prevent their outdoor activities from sparking the next wildfire. For more information, visit the websites for Keep Oregon Green at www.keeporegongreen.org, the Oregon Department of Forestry at www.oregon.gov/odf, and the Oregon State Fire Marshal at https://www.oregon.gov/osfm/education/pages/prevent-wildfires.aspx.
Follow Oregon wildfire news and prevention updates on social media: @keeporegongreen, @ORDeptForestry and @OSFM.