Wildfires are burning near roads

Oregon Department of Transportation sent this bulletin at 07/30/2019 11:29 AM PDT

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Wildfires are burning near roads

July 30, 2019

SALEM -- Drivers should be prepared for fire conditions as they travel this summer. The calendar is flipping to August and wildfires are already burning along I-5 in southern Oregon and along other roads in central, eastern and western Oregon.

“You may find reduced visibility due to smoke and active fires near the highway, and experience delays,” said Darrin Neavoll, ODOT District 7 maintenance manager in Southwest Oregon. “When driving through smoky fire zones, make sure your headlights are on and you’re watching for firefighters and equipment, not taking pictures.”

Neavoll said one of the best tools is to be in the know by checking Tripcheck.com for any road restrictions or closures.

Here’s some safe driving advice for this summer:

  • If there’s smoke, turn on your headlights and slow down
  • If you can’t see, carefully pull to the side of the road
  • If pulling a trailer, make sure nothing is dragging that can spark or overheat
  • Keep your vehicle well-maintained so it doesn’t overheat or get a flat tire
  • Don’t throw things out of your vehicle – like a lit cigarette
  • Carry an emergency kit with extra water, food and medications
  • Know your route and possible detours
  • Pay attention – you need to drive, not take pictures. Especially when there’s a fire

 

Mowing reduces roadside fire hazards

We manage roadside vegetation each spring and summer to reduce the fire load. Right now the grass along most highways is very dry, making it incredibly easy to spark a wildfire.

Our mowing starts as early as April in southern Oregon and continues through late summer in the Willamette Valley. Mowing schedules are based on weather and fire conditions. Depending on conditions, mowers start very early in the morning, and depending on fire danger level, are shadowed by water trucks.

We’re posting pictures and video from fires at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/oregondot/albums/72157709973669672

For more information, contact the ODOT public information officer in your area:

Portland: Don Hamilton, (503) 704-7452

Northwestern: Lou Torres, (503) 986-2880, Angela Beers Seydel, (541) 726-2442

Southwestern: Dan Latham, (541) 957-3601, Gary Leaming, (541) 774-6388

Central: Peter Murphy, (541) 388-6224

Eastern: Tom Strandburg, (541) 963-1330