Oregon State: Many Oregon people have good intentions every spring once they start eliminating the risk of forest fires in their homelands. However, the tools they use can trigger a forest fire if they are not properly managed.
A sad example is the burning of Stouts Creek in 2015 in southwestern Oregon.
Obviously caused by a denizen cutting through dry grass, this fire eventually rose to more than 26,000 acres, costing $ 37 million to exit.
Kristin Babbs, president of the nonprofit organization Keep Oregon Green, said abusing mowers, chainsaws and other equipment was the main cause of forest fires in Oregon protected areas.
"A spark from a hot exhaust system or a steel blade hitting a rock can cause a fire in the dry grass or in the brush," he warned. "Keeping grass clippings can reduce the risk of fire, but cutting dry grass in the afternoon or on a hot day is very risky."
Babbs joins the Oregon State Fire Marshal Office and the Oregon Department of Forestry to say that spring is the best time to prune, cut, and remove excess vegetation.
"Do it while the plants are still green, not in the summer when the fuels are dry," said Babbs.
To minimize the risk of fire during spring cleaning, Babbs recommends:
Follow the current fire restrictions
Check with the local forest conservation association or the Oregon district for restrictions or regulations regarding the use of power tools of internal combustion engines such as lawnmowers, chainsaws, and milling machines. Some areas may restrict their use depending on weather conditions and vegetation.
Cut before 10 o'clock
The best time of day to use gas appliances is early in the morning, when the humidity is higher and temperatures are lower. Never cut in wind or too dry.
Use the right tool for the job
Lawn mowers are designed to mow the lawn, not weeds or dry grass. Use a grass trimmer with a plastic cord against metal blades that can hit rocks, create sparks, and cause forest fires.
Remove stones in this area before using electrical equipment to prevent sparks.
Use an approved spark arrester for all portable gas appliances
In the desert, a carbon particle that escapes from a silencer can be all it takes to kindle a fire. These include cars, tractors, combine harvesters, chainsaws, lawn mowers and lawnmowers.
Keep the exhaust system in good condition, the spark arresters are free of carbon build-up and the engine is free of oil and dust. Let the appliance cool down before filling it with gasoline.
Use the recommended fuel quality and do not close it.
The awareness, the preparation and the prevention of forest fires are crucial in every season. Learn how you can be part of the solution: www.keeporegongreen.org
Image by the Oregon Department of Forestry
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