“These fires are all preventable,” said Stephanie Beall, acting District Forester for Forest Grove. “Thanks to timely reporting and quick response times by firefighting resources, these fires have been kept small so far, with the largest fire reaching only 1.5 acres, but it only takes a little bit of wind to quickly expand a fire if the fuel conditions are right.”
There is a long list of state forest shooting regulations (see below) and simplified dos and don’ts while target shooting that are good to follow for any area of the state. They are all important but there are some critical ones during fire season.
“The two most pressing problems are people bringing out and shooting exploding targets and shooting into stumps, logs or other debris,” said Beall.
Exploding targets are banned year-round in all of Oregon’s state forests. Materials such as Tannerite can scatter hot debris in a large area quickly igniting dry fuels. But it’s not only exploding targets that are a concern, the hot lead of regular rounds that hits stumps and other natural backstops or targets can smolder for hours leading to fire starts long after the shooter has left the area. To minimize this hazard shooters should not put targets on or in front of logs, stumps or grassy areas.
“People are required to use manufactured targets on all state forests, with the exception being paper targets printed at home.” said Ben Burns, ODF’s Recreation Operations Manager. “Do not place targets on live trees, stumps, logs or in any dry brushy areas.”
The department has built several shooting lanes throughout the state forest system but even those can be a fire hazard if not used properly.
“The Wolf Creek shooting lanes have ranges from 20 – 70 yards,” said Burns. “It is important that people use the designated backstops and do not shoot beyond these borders into the vegetation beyond.”
Another rule of which many recreational users are not aware, is that anyone using a vehicle in state forests during the regulated use portion of fire season must have a shovel and either a gallon of water or a 2.5-pound (or larger) fire extinguisher in that vehicle.
Although not following the rules can endanger people and the forest itself, ODF’s emphasis is on education before enforcement.
“You can ask our recreation staff or any ODF employee to clarify the rules if you are unsure,” said Burns. “We are here to help everyone safely enjoy the forests no matter what activity they choose from hiking, biking, OHV riding, target shooting, camping and many other outdoor opportunities.”
However, for repeat offenders and forest users who put people in imminent danger, local law enforcement officers do patrol state forests and can issue citations on the spot and more.
“The Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office has three dedicated officers to patrol the Tillamook State Forest thanks to funds that come from the state’s ATV registration fees and matching grant funds from ODF,” said Burns. “We meet regularly with them to discuss issues and areas to patrol more frequently, and target shooting is an area of emphasis right now.”
But the emphasis remains on education and compliance.
“As someone who enjoys target shooting, I keep fire in mind as part of shooting safety,” said Beall. “I buy manufactured targets, lay down a tarp to catch my brass and check the area for garbage when I’m done.”
Taking fire risk into consideration as part of any recreation activity is one of ODF’s education focuses when talking to the public.
“Every year 70 percent or more of our wildland fires are started by people—all of those are preventable,” said Beall.
For more information on target shooting safety and rules go here.
For current fire danger levels and restrictions go here.
For a list of shooting lanes and other recreational site locations and details go here.
If you see a fire call 911. Also if you are a witness to the start of a fire and can provide information, eye-witness statements, video, photos or any other data, you can assist investigators by emailing them to odf.firetips@odf.oregon.gov. This information helps our investigators in creating a full picture of what happened and identify a responsible party if there is one.