Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, citizens have been asked to take precautions and practice safety measures to protect themselves and each other. This fire season, officials are taking a similar approach—reaching out to the public and urging caution to prevent new fires.
Oregon Department of Forestry's Jim Gersbach said, “We certainly want people to enjoy Oregon’s forests, to enjoy the Great Outdoors and we want that Great Outdoors to be there the next weekend and the weekend after that and for months and years to come.”
Camp fires are illegal right now in most areas- but some designated camp grounds allow pit fires. Gersbach says it’s crucial to make sure your campfire is OUT COLD. That means several soakings to prevent embers from blowing away.
Wherever the destination this Labor Day weekend, fire officials say to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and take extra care to protect it.