Much of the Pacific Northwest is facing “significant large fire potential” for the summer, according to the latest National Interagency Fire Center forecast.
Despite a wet and cool March and forecasts of April showers, the agency expects that the region’s long-term drought conditions will persist.
“Beyond April, long range outlooks depict strong confidence for warmer and drier than average conditions for Oregon and Washington through July,” the report released April 1 states. The Bureau of Land Management Oregon & Washington office said the report shows our area could see large wildfires in late June and into July.
The report also noted a lack of staffing because of the coronavirus outbreak. As we previously reported, concerns about the virus have already put prescribed burns on hold across Oregon.