Coos Co. Forest Concerns, July 31

News release – The Coos Co. Board of Commissioners wants to remind everyone that it is fire season, and it is necessary to take appropriate precautions to avoid causing a fire when you are on the Coos Co. Forest.  Even though the Coast is cooler than the inland valleys, winds and low humidity have increased our risk of fire. With no rain the immediate forecast, Coos Co. Commissioner John Sweet wants to remind people that we have already had two human-caused fires on the Coos Co. Forest this year, and it is still relatively early in the Fire Season.  “The Forest is dry this year, and we don’t want to close it to recreation.  However, if people aren’t careful and we have a fire, I don’t think we will have a choice.”  The Coos County forest if a significant contributor to the County Budget, and the income received from timber harvests provides public services such as Sheriff’s Deputies & Jail Beds.  Appropriate precautions include not smoking outside of vehicles, no campfires, and carrying a fire extinguisher and tools. For questions, please contact Commissioner John Sweet at jsweet@co.coos.or.us or 541-396-7541.