Hot, Dry Forecast Increases Need For Personal Responsibility, Aug. 18

The small amount of rain received by some areas last week was good but its effects on fuels is already gone, according to fire officials. The forecast for this week is for more hot, dry weather. With current fire danger for the area already well above normal and many firefighting resources committed to fires around the state, it is imperative to be extra fire safe. Local BLM, USFS and Coos Forest Protective Association (CFPA) have people committed to fires around the State. CFPA reports that while local resources are drawn down, enough firefighters are always kept in the district to provide initial attack for a new fire start. If a fire escapes initial attack however, there are few resources available in the State to help. “We really need the public to be careful,” said John Flannigan, Prevention Specialist for CFPA, “One mistake could lead to a devastating fire. Any fire start has the potential to turn catastrophic for the district and the communities within.” A lot of fires are started by people that didn’t mean to start a fire. Accidentally causing a fire doesn’t lessen the cost of suppressing the fire or the amount of damage the fire causes. Flannigan also said “It seems like some people think the closures are for others and are surprised to find they apply to them.” He gave an example that even though no outdoor burning has been allowed since June 9th, as recent as last Saturday CFPA had to respond to an out of control debris burn and numerous other burn complaints. The nearby Stouts Creek Fire is reported to have started from someone mowing dry grass after the time allowed in The Regulated Use Closure. It will be some time before that case is settled, but suppression costs are approaching $30,000,000 and damages have yet to be calculated. One thing is for certain though, the fire will have to be paid for and many will have to suffer the damage it has caused.