Wildfires in Oregon: How we can lower the risk?
In this article, Regan Moran will be informing you about how to lower the risk of a wildfire in Oregon this summer.
Wildfires in Oregon: How We Can Lower The Risk?
By Regan Moran
In Oregon, the risk of wildfires during the summer has been very high. Since 2020, Oregon has faced six wildfires and 1.1 million acres have been burned according to KGW8 News Station. With summer right around the corner, citizens who reside in Oregon need to take cautious steps in order to prevent the possibility of a wildfire breaking out. There are several correct ways to decrease the likeliness of a wildfire in Oregon.
Making sure the right steps are followed correctly can be difficult at times but, with practice, it can become a habit. Thankfully, there are websites with precautions on how to prevent the outbreak of a wildfire. According to Deschutes Collaborative Forest Project, not burning debris during fire season, fully extinguishing campfires before leaving, and carrying fire tools and a fire extinguisher are all ways to help in preventing a wildfire.
Wildfires can cause devastating damage to communities all over the United States. Certain cities in Oregon have proof that, even years after the fires have occurred, there is still damage to be seen. The Library and Information Science Network mentions that “vegetation takes 3 to 5 years to start growing back after a wildfire.” In Medford, Oregon, there are still spots of the wilderness that have not recovered from wildfires in the past.
Burning debris before fire season
Photo Credit: Regan Moran
When there are wildfires in Grants Pass, Oregon, the smoke tends to lurk in the area, even when the fire has been controlled and eventually put out. Breathing in the smoke from forest fires can cause people to have throat irritation, chest discomfort, eye irritation, and shortness of breath. Making sure we keep fire season under control this summer will impact Oregon and the well-being of everyone who lives in the state.
