ightning from afternoon thunderstorms
has started several forest fires in the remote regions of the Cascade
Mountain Range and across Oregon. The smokes have been reported by fire
lookouts, who estimate the fires to be relatively small. What should be
done?
ertainly, natural wildfires have burned
for thousands for years, but in the middle of summer, fire could devastate
thousands of scenic acres and threaten wildlife habitat, air quality,
and high desert riparian areas. In addition, there is the potential threat
to human life, structures and private property to consider. It might be
wise to take suppressive action, but how are people and firefighting equipment
going to get to these fires?
Many remote areas of Oregon have little or no road access. And you have
to consider how long it might take to drive to these areas even if road
access is available? Also, in designated wilderness areas, mechanized
vehicles are prohibited.
Sure, but it could be many miles in, and it's often uphill! Time is passing,
and the fires are growing rapidly. What size will they be by the time
crews arrive? And what kind of shape will the firefighters be in after
the long hike?
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