Fire managers worried about dryness

Central Oregon fire managers are concerned that more human-caused fires might be started as the area enters elk season with unusually dry fall weather conditions.

Firefighters have already suppressed 13 human-caused fires this month in Central Oregon.

Fall precipitation normally alleviates the area's fire danger at this time. However, a weather pattern characterized by scarce precipitation and critically low relative humidity will continue through the next few weeks, according to National Weather Service forecasts.

Fire managers said fewer available firefighting resources might exacerbate the situation.

"Right now, we have about a third of the fire resources available to us that we would normally have at the height of fire season," said Rock Gerke, deputy interagency fire management officer for Central Oregon Fire Management Services, which oversees local federal firefighting resources.

Gerke said many firefighters left crews this month to return to college, winter occupations or other resource management duties.

Managers normally reduce firefighting ranks now as winter approaches, Gerke said.

People involved in fall outdoor activities often light warming fires, a practice that might lead to more wildland fires.

Federal fire officials are discouraging people from building warming fires because of the current conditions.

John Jackson, a district forester with the Oregon Department of Forestry, said his agency is also recommending people refrain from building the fires.