Dry and Breezy for the “4th of July” Weekend

Potential for Fire Starts on the Rise

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - The Oregon Department of Forestry, Klamath-Lake District, would like to encourage people to continue to use caution and avoid starting a wildfire.  The District has experienced some cooler weather this past week, but, the conditions will change rapidly with it predicted to be breezy and dry with a warming trend ahead of us for the 4th of July weekend. 

Family traditions and fun is a popular summertime staple during the 4th of July week with fireworks and target shooting. 

The Klamath-Lake District wants to send a courtesy reminder that exploding targets, tracer ammunition, and sky lanterns are a major cause of wildfire ignitions and prohibited to use during fire season.

The Declaration of Fire Season went into effect on June 1st.  A recent uptick in fire danger indices placed our fire adjective class at Moderate as of June 23rd and could reach High soon based on the 8-14 day outlook.   

“This spring and early start to summer has been very challenging to this point due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the preparedness and planning involved in the midst of this situation” states Randall Baley, Protection Unit Forester, “and the last thing we need is a careless act that could cause a catastrophic wildfire.”  

The best protection measures are always preventative measures.  The residents and visitors to Klamath and Lake Counties have been responsible in their use of fire safe practices and the Klamath-Lake District would like to continue that.  The 4th of July is particularly hazardous with firework displays and people dropping their guard and not recognizing the hazards. Be sure to follow the above restrictions and other general fire prevention measures to decrease the chance of or the spread of a wildfire.

Source: Oregon Department of Forestry