The Douglas Forest Protective Association and local fire departments are concerned with the recent spike in illegal burns in the area.
DFPA has responded to 17 illegal burns since July 1.
“The number of illegal burns in the last week has been very concerning,” said Kyle Reed, fire prevention specialist with DFPA. “Crews have responded to everything from debris piles, to burn barrels and even campfires. While we are fortunate that the illegal burns were addressed before they had a chance to spread, we want to remind everyone that the use of open fire is either restricted or prohibited during fire season.”
According to DFPA, debris burning is one of the leading causes of wildfires each year throughout Oregon. Locally, debris burning accounted for 133 fires that burned nearly 400 acres within the Douglas District over the last ten years.