Oregon’s wildland fire agencies typically battle fires started by lightning or by people’s carelessness. But in recent weeks, they’ve found themselves chasing down fire starts set by arsonists. Dozens of wildfires have broken out in recent weeks across Oregon — many of them under suspicious circumstances. Law enforcement and wildfire protection agencies at all levels are working hard to solve these crimes and prevent future arsons. Vigilance is high among Oregon State Police troopers, county sheriff’s deputies, and state and federal forestry agencies’ field personnel. Oregon’s forests are expansive — 30 million acres — and they could use the public’s help to put a stop to this rash of deliberately set fires. Thousands of recreationists enjoying the forests this summer can serve as eyes and ears to report suspected illegal activity in the woods. Call the Oregon State Police Tip Line, 503-375-3555, to confidentially report tips.
