As July Fourth approaches, the Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM) reminds us to celebrate with caution. The beloved holiday is synonymous with fireworks, barbecues, and carefree outdoor activities. However, OEM urges communities to remain vigilant about fire safety during the festivities. Human activities, including the careless use of fireworks and wild campfires, start eighty-five percent of wildfires, a stat that looms over the holiday revelry.
Fireworks can be a blast, but let's not forget they're also a major fire hazard. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management, in a statement, recommended attending public displays managed by professionals as the safest option. For those preferring to set off their own, guidelines include checking local regulations, keeping water or a hose ready, and lighting one firework at a time without trying to relight duds. And remember, public lands are off-limits to all fireworks.
When it comes to a campfire's crackling comfort, the guidelines are clear: use designated fire rings, keep fires knee-high and fully extinguish them with water. Propane fire rings are subject to the same rules, and never leave a fire unattended. OEM's focus is on avoiding the careless spark that could ignite a larger disaster.
Barbecues, a staple of summertime enjoyment, warrant attention too. OEM cautions to set up grills clear from structures and vegetation, never to grill indoors, and always keep watch while it's hot. Safety extends beyond the fire pit; they mention other risks like discarded cigarettes and faulty vehicle parts that have the potential to set off wildfires. With the risk of ignition lurking in a spark from dragging chains or an overworked catalytic converter, vigilance is key.
