Oregon wildfires: Rain in forecast, but unlikely to bring much help with fires

By Zach Urness
The Salem Statesman Journal
July 28, 2024
Category: Forest Fires
Region: United States, US West

There are more than 38 large wildfires burning across Oregon. Here’s the latest notes and details about the blazes. Hopes for a decent amount of rain are looking increasingly unlikely in the areas that need it most to quell fires, forecasters said Sunday. …The U.S. Forest Service has approved the use of heavy equipment and fire retardant to fight wildfires burning in Pacific Northwest wilderness and roadless areas. The Congressionally-designated areas typically are supposed to see fire crews take a lighter touch — using minimum suppression tactics or even letting fires burn in some cases. But the number of fires — and long duration left in the fire season — has spurred leaders to approve more aggressive tactics. …Heavy equipment, such as bulldozers, however, can drastically impact sensitive areas and fire retardant can pollute waterways. Forest leaders said they would be careful “where and when to allow the use of heavy equipment and retardant,” the agency said.

Read More