PORTLAND, Ore., July 26, 2023 — Summer 2023 is only halfway over and low spring rainfall has resulted in abnormally dry conditions as hot temperatures persist across the Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Region. This situation poses a significant risk of wildfires, and residents of Oregon and Washington are urged to take precautions to prevent human-caused wildfire starts.
According to the Northwest Coordinator Center Predictive Services Outlook, the Pacific Northwest region has experienced drier-than-normal conditions over the past several months. This dryness, combined with record and near-record heat, has resulted in excessively dry vegetation in many areas. As a result, a new fire start could grow quickly, and existing fires may remain on the landscape until weather conditions change. This raises the threat of prolonged smoke impacts, which can have serious health consequences for those with respiratory issues.
To mitigate these risks, the Forest Service is encouraging the public to take the following steps:
- Prevent human-caused wildfire starts. To report a wildfire, call 911
- Keep an eye on smoke forecasts and plan outdoor recreation accordingly
- Stay informed of fire restrictions and fire closures before heading out
Fire restrictions will likely increase in the coming weeks, so it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest information. For additional information on current and predicted fire weather, check out the Northwest Coordinator Center Predictive Services Outlook: https://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/predict/outlook.aspx
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