Fire Safety for Hunting Season

This week a special guest blogger will be posting on our page. Lana Limbeck is a 2010 graduate of Forest Grove High School and volunteers in our Fire and Life Safety Division. Lana will be starting her college fire science studies soon, and to get her started we gave her a "homework assignment" to create a fire safety blog post related to the start of hunting season. Good job Lana, hope our readers enjoy it.

Summer is already coming to a close to the disappointment of many, but for some Oregon hunters it only brings excitement. Fall ushers in an exciting time for those preparing their plates for a little extra protein and their guns for this year's hunting season. Bow hunters kicked it off already this month and rifle hunting is due to begin later in the fall in October. Although August has blessed Forest Grove area residents with much cooler weather this year, it is important to remember that while summer may seem to be cooling off, the fire danger is still very high. This is especially true for hunters who will be spending a lot of time in the national forests in the next few months. When preparing your packing lists for this year’s hunting season, be aware of the dangers, restrictions, and laws regarding fire safety during the last month of summer.

According to charts provided by the Oregon Department of Forestry, wildfires are more prevalent throughout July, August, September, and even October. We may think that the danger ends in September, but depending on the weather, it can continue well into the fall. Until significant rainfall occurs, the ODF says that major restrictions will remain in place well into the fall.

This brush fire burned approximately an acre and was believed to have been started by a hunter on SW Fernhill Road last year

There are many restrictions currently in place on all Tillamook state forests and surrounding properties due to the current fire danger. Forest fires are too often caused by unattended campfires and smokers who fail to extinguish their cigarettes. To prevent this, the ODF has placed a ban on both. Absolutely no campfires are allowed on public or private land except in designated areas such as campgrounds. Smoking is prohibited unless kept inside closed vehicles on improved or well-maintained roads. ATV's and motorcycles are not permitted unless on improved roads because of the dry conditions and no non-industry use of chainsaws is allowed in any case.

The heavy restrictions may disappoint many hunters who plan on camping, but it is imperative to pack according to the current regulations. One very important thing to know when creating a packing list is this: when traveling on any unpaved county or logging roads all hunters must carry a fire extinguisher or one gallon of water and one shovel in their vehicles. It's not just a recommendation this year, it is required.

The regulations and fire dangers are different for every unit and area so it is very important to know and understand the regulations for the unit you will be hunting in. You can find information about the fire dangers in your unit by contacting the Oregon Department of Forestry, or by visiting their website at http://egov.oregon.gov/ODF/.

FGF&R wishes for everyone to have a fun, successful, and safe hunt this year. Pack according to the current fire danger and remember to stay updated on the restrictions taking place in your unit. Enjoy your hunting season, and good luck!