May is "Wildfire Awareness Month." Oregon experiences its heaviest wildfire activity during the summer months, but fires can occur any time of the year including spring.
Keep Oregon Green -- in partnership with federal, state, tribal and local fire and emergency response agencies -- will be spreading the word about the steps we can all take to prevent the start of careless, unwanted wildfires this summer while encouraging Oregonians to create defensible space around homes and outbuildings.
Each year, over 70% of Oregon's wildfires are started by people. Many are a result of escaped debris burn piles or gas-powered equipment and vehicles casting sparks or catching on fire. During the 2024 fire season, the Oregon Department of Forestry reported that people were directly responsible for sparking 723 wildfires that burned more than 92,000 acres.
Any spark can gain traction in dry vegetation, spread quickly and impact lives, personal property and the many benefits provided by Oregon's scenic natural areas.
Before heading outdoors this summer, be sure to contact the agency or landowner who manages the land at your destination for an update on current fire restrictions or bans. Everyone should be familiar with these restrictions before building open fires or using equipment that could ignite a wildfire.
Keep Oregon Green has been fighting wildfire with publicity since 1941 and this season, the Association is reviving vintage billboard artwork from the 1950s with Smokey's timeless image and well-known slogan. This year's campaign calls on the public to predict the outcome of their actions and do everything they can to prevent wildfire ignitions. For more information, please visit "keeporegongreen.org."
