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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend April 6, 2006 Ma Nature remains unpredictable The 2006 fire season could still come on time despite the year’s significant rainfall By PAUL FATTIG Mail Tribune Given the National Weather Service’s local forecast, you probably haven’t thought much about this year’s fire season. Predictions for Jackson and Josephine counties call for a 30 percent chance of rain tonight, 60 percent Friday, 40 percent Saturday, 40 percent Sunday and 50 percent Monday. But Mother Nature can be fickle, cautioned Greg Alexander, Medford Unit forester for the Oregon Department of Forestry. While this winter’s heavy rains followed by an early wet spring obviously dampen any chance of an immediate onset of the 2006 fire season, that doesn’t foretell the severity or start of the season, he said. "We’ve got bunches of rain — that’s really good this time of year," he said. "But if the moisture were to quit and things dry out, we could still go into fire season when we normally do." Advertisement On average, the local fire season begins in mid-May and ends in mid-October, he said. However, it has started as early as April and as late as June, he added. Last year’s fire season in Jackson and Josephine counties started in late June, for example. Since the water year began Sept. 1, more than 23 inches of rain have fallen on Medford, compared to an average 18 inches for the entire year that ends Aug. 31. But Alexander is quick to observe that the winter of 2005 was relatively dry while spring was wet. "Who knows what it’s going to be like this year," he said, then added, "You have to go with what you’re given." In fact, state climatologist George Taylor predicts there is a good chance this spring could be dry and warm in the region. Since the region usually has a Mediterranean climate with its typically dry, hot summers, local rural residents should take advantage of the continuing wet period by creating defensible spaces around their homes should they be threatened by a wildfire this summer, Alexander said. A defensible space is a fuel break around a rural home, including everything from removing "ladder" fuels to thinning trees. Homeowners should make sure driveways are accessible for fire trucks, fire officials note. For tips on creating a defensible space, contact your local fire department or call the ODF office at 664-3328. Before burning brush piles and other woody debris in rural areas of Jackson County, call 776-7007 to make sure it is a burn day. For open burning in Josephine County, call 476-9663. Reach reporter Paul Fattigat 776-4496 or e-mail him at Ma Nature remains unpredictable ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Absinthe Supply Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Computer Security Discount Hotel Reservations online casinos news Debt Consolidation California Casinos GMAT Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Hammocks Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada King of Spirits Email Security Advertisement s Advertisement