FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 13, 2021
Contact: Julie Spor, Public Information Officer
541-549-0771
Outdoor burning in the Sisters-Camp Sherman, Cloverdale, and Black Butte Ranch Fire Districts will be closed for a minimum of four days beginning Friday, May 14 due to anticipated high temperatures and low relative humidity throughout Central Oregon over the weekend and into early next week.
The quick decision to temporarily suspend outdoor burning came after Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Chief Roger Johnson learned that Oregon Department of Forestry would be entering their declared fire season earlier than normal, effective Saturday (5/15) at 12:01 a.m. Oregon Department of Forestry is seeing persistent drought conditions, with precipitation amounts in the driest 10% since 1895. This has led to record low fuel moisture and an early onset fire season.
Chief Johnson said, “In an effort to reduce the risk of an early-season wildfire, we will temporarily suspend outdoor burning in the District until more favorable weather conditions present themselves.” Looking ahead at the ten-day forecast shows a cooling pattern with potential rain. “If the anticipated weather materializes by the middle of next week, there is a possibility that burning will reopen, and we could officially close burning at dusk May 31 as originally anticipated,” said Chief Johnson.
Staff at the Fire Districts will evaluate weather and determine whether burning will be open or closed on a daily basis through the end of the month.
Homeowners who still have yard debris to dispose of are encouraged to take advantage of the FireFree program at the Fryrear Transfer Station just outside Sisters May 22-June 5. During FireFree, homeowners can dispose of their yard debris for free at the Fryrear Transfer Station. For more information regarding this event and for hours of operation, please visit: https://www.firefree.org/firefreeevents/.
For more information, please contact the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District at 541-549-0771.
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