University of Oregon experts share ideas about summer wildfires

(MAY 16, 2024) During rainy times in winter and spring, it might seem like wildfires won't happen. But researchers at the University of Oregon say that's not always true.  When it's wet in the spring, it can make things grow more, like grass and shrubs. Surprisingly, this can actually make the risk of wildfires worse when the hot summer weather comes.  Daniel Gavin is a professor at the University of Oregon. He and his team recently shared information and other ideas about wildfires in Oregon.

Wildfire protection begins with information, and new technology can help. For example, when a fire starts, firefighters need to know where it is quickly. Cameras in the wilderness can spot fires. They can share the information immediately. In Oregon, there's a network of cameras. Anyone can see them online. Firefighters can also control these cameras remotely. The cameras work all the time, not just when people are watching.

Sometimes power lines start wildfires. So some companies turn off electricity to prevent fires from starting. But this can cause problems for people living in those areas. When the power goes out, it's not just lights that stop working. People might not have water. Food might spoil. It can be hard for some people to stay comfortable.

Amanda Stasiewicz is an assistant professor of environmental studies at the University of Oregon. She says electricity is important for communication, too. Sometimes firefighters need to tell people to leave an area. They often use instant message apps. But sometimes no electricity means no Wi-Fi, and no Wi-Fi means no phone calls or texts.

After a fire begins, there's the problem of smoke. Smoke from wildfires can be harmful, even if you're far away. “Smoke is tricky and can travel. You don't have to be in a fire-prone area to be thinking about smoke,” says Heidi Huber-Stearns. She also works for the University of Oregon. Air filters can help; staying inside can help, too. 

Finally, there are new challenges -- and alternatives -- to evacuations. In the past, if there was a wildfire, people might have to leave their homes because of the smoke. This has happened more often in recent years. Nowadays, people can use cameras to decide if they should leave, instead of waiting for an official order. Some communities are also working together to protect their land and animals so that they don't have to evacuate at all.