Folks, as we move forward through this weekend and beyond, here are some things to remember: This type of East wind pattern is very typical for this time of year here. East wind events will continue to come and go through mid November. These winds are very dry and when you couple that with a whole season of vegetation drying that is why Fire Season doesnt really ramp up in Northwest Oregon until late August through October and November. This means that as this fire continues to smolder in the interior areas until the fall and winter rains are adequate to finish this thing off, Each of the these events will continue to push smoke (it should lessen with each event) into the Estacada, Eagle Creek, Colton areas and beyond. Right now is a great time to take a look around the outside of your home: Are the gutters clean? - did you clean them after last winter? Are your treed starting to turn and drop dry leaves into them? Keeping them clear will prevent embers that land there from having any fuels to start a fire on your house. Did you move firewood up near the house this summer in preparation for winter? This firewood becomes a great place for an ember to land. This is a large jackpot of dry material that once ignited WILL spread to your home. Move firewood away from your home until you are ready to use it. Are your plants next to your home fire resistant? Is it lean and green? If you have tall grass and weeds close to your house, resist the urge to grab the mower and knock them down. One spark from a rock hit by a mower can start a fire very easily right now. Get sweaty and pull out or knock down those weeds by hand! Is your home easy for fire crews to find? is your address clearly marked at the road? Is your driveway at least 12 feet wide and 12 feet tall for equipment to access your home? Can they turn around at your home? All these things can play into Firefighters decision to stay at your home during an approaching wildfire. Firefighters want to save everyone home and property but need to be able to do it safely! That process starts with you! Here are some links for more information: estacadafire.org/erfd/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/wildfire.pdf Information on the Clackamas County Wildfire Protection Plan: clackamas.us/emergency/ccwpp.html Remember that protecting your home is a cooperative effort starting with homeowners and landowners.
Posted on: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 17:54:45 +0000
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