Hunters Asked to Avoid Wildfire Areas

Before heading afield, hunters are advised to find out if there are any large wildfires in their hunting areas.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - Currently, the map of Oregon is dotted with large fires and fire complexes. For their own safety and to avoid impeding firefighting operations, hunters would do well to avoid the sites of major fires, the Oregon Department of Forestry announced today.

Often, forest roads around a wildfire are closed to the public. And even on roads that remain open, hunters may encounter firefighting vehicles.

The location of active wildfires in the state can be found on the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center's website, www.nwccweb.us/.

For specific information on forest road closures and other restrictions on public lands, hunters should contact the natural resource agency with jurisdiction. Many popular hunting sites are on lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management. Their local offices will have up-to-date information on access. For fire information on private and state-owned lands, contact the local Oregon Department of Forestry office.

Those planning to hunt on private lands should check on access. Many privately owned forestlands across the state are closed due to fire danger.

The cool nights make a campfire or a warming fire inviting on a hunting outing. But after use, a fire should be completely extinguished. Otherwise, it can rekindle later in the day as the weather warms up and become a wildfire.