(Astoria, OR) — The Oregon Military Department and cooperating Clatsop County Fire Agencies will conduct a prescribed burn starting at Noon Saturday, June 29 and Noon Sunday, June 30 at Camp Rilea. Smoke may be visible to the public for a couple of days.
“We take the public’s safety and well-being very seriously,” said Josh Como, City of Gearhart Fire Chief.
“The Northwest Oregon Wildfire School (NOWS) 2024rx prescribed burn will reduce fuels and vegetation near a machine gun firing range. During exercises wildfires often occur and this prescribed fire will reduce the opportunity of future uncontrolled fire,“ he said.
Clatsop County Environmental Health has been notified about the upcoming burn. “We encourage people to pay attention to local air quality reports and avoid breathing smoke if they can,” said Lucas Marshall, environmental health supervisor.
“Anyone who can see or smell smoke is advised to take precautions to limit their exposure. People in smoky areas who have underlying respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, or asthma should limit outdoor activities, along with children and the elderly,” Marshall said.
If you are advised to stay indoors, keep your windows and doors closed. If you have an air conditioner, turn it on and ensure the fresh-air intake is closed and the filter is clean to help prevent smoke from entering. Indoor air pollution can be reduced through use of an air purifier with a HEPA filter. If you are outside in a smoky area, consider wearing an N95 mask to help protect your lungs.
Visit AirNow.gov to find out what the air quality is where you are and the steps you can take to protect yourself in smoky areas.
Agencies involved in the planning and hosting of the training include Camp Rilea Oregon Military Fire Department (OMD), Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), Knappa Rural Fire, Astoria Fire, Lewis & Clark Rural Fire, Warrenton Fire, Gearhart Fire, Seaside Fire, Cannon Beach Rural Fire, Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (Oregon DPSST) and the Oregon Fire Marshal (OSFM).
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