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Fire ... |
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Despite our efforts at fire suppression,
the amount of forest burned each year has begun to
increase. Today, most of Oregon's forestland is at
risk from larger and more severe fires than we have
had in the past. This is especially true in the drier
eastern and southwestern forests. Almost 40% of Oregon's
forestland is at HIGH risk (red area on map).
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The Biscuit Fire recently
burned about 400,000 acres in southwestern Oregon. It
was one of the largest fires in Oregon's recorded history,
and cost $150 million to fight. Severe fires like this
pose a threat to commercial timber, drinking water,
and some of our favorite recreation areas. Fish, wildlife,
soil, and the other components of forest ecosystems
are all in jeopardy. For example, the Biscuit Fire severely
damaged more than half of the spotted owl "home
ranges" in the area. Recovery may take centuries. |
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Fires in Southern California recently
destroyed thousands of homes and killed dozens of
people, despite the efforts of legions of firefighters.
The cost of such fires is enormous. It could happen
here. Nearly 240,000 Oregon homes are vulnerable to
wildfire.
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