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June 4, 2004 - Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Valley&State Backpage O&E Sports Archives Classifieds Faith&Beliefs Obituaries Revels May 14, 2004 Despite California's woes, Oregon fire season 'normal' By Vickie Aldous Ashland Daily Tidings Although a spate of California blazes has alarmed some residents here, Southern Oregon fire experts are predicting a normal start for the local fire season. On average, the fire season begins on June 1, according to Oregon Department of Forestry Fire Prevention Specialist Dennis Turco. "If it stays damp like this, it will be a while, probably another two or three weeks. What we're seeing is pretty much normal rainfall," he said. Precipitation for the water year, which began in September, is at about 17 inches, just slightly above average, according to Chuck Glaser, meteorological technician for the National Weather Service office in Medford. Rain in Ashland, according to Tidings weather correspondent Doyle Hirsch is higher, approaching 25 inches. The sun will reappear at the end of the week, bringing high temperatures in the low to mid-70s. Temperatures will drop to the mid-60s to low 70s with the return of clouds and a chance of rain Sunday through Tuesday, Glaser said. Oregon's neighbor to the south declared the start of fire season on May 3. Southern California wildfires burned 30,000 acres and dozens of structures as the area experienced a three week early start to the fire season there. California forests that have been attacked by insects are falling prey to wildfires. One Southern California ski resort was evacuated as a wildfire burned through trees despite snow on the ground, according to Turco. Insects also have attacked Southern Oregon forests, although the damage is less widespread than in California, he said. As firefighters and local residents await the start of fire season, Turco said people should keep in mind that Southern Oregon is prone to wildfire and now is the time to take precautionary measures. "It will probably be a normal season, but even a normal season here can be bad," he said. Homeowners should thin brush back, move wood stacks at least 30 feet from houses and clean leaves and needles out of rain gutters, off of roofs and from under porches, according to Turco. Grass, which kindles and spreads fire quickly, should be cut short. "The grass we have, when it dries out, can be a real problem. People mow it down when it's green and then notice one or two weeks later that they have to mow again. Wait until the grass just starts to cure and cut it once. It's important to get grasses cut down and it might help them if they only have to do it once," Turco advised. The Oregon Department of Forestry and Ashland Fire & Rescue offer free home consultations to help property owners identify wildfire danger points and take action to protect their homes. Call the department's Central Point office at (541) 664-3328 or the Ashland fire station at 482-2770. DailyTidings.com Home Page Valley&State | Backpage | O&E | Sports | Archives | Weather | Classifieds Columnists | Faith&Beliefs | Obituaries | Revels | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2004 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams