Equipping Firefighters
Late spring rains have forestalled the predicted early onset of Oregon's wildfire season. But firefighting preparations continue apace at Oregon Department of Forestry's Fire Cache. Staff are hard at work testing water pumps, checking and repairing firehose, and readying mobile kitchens and communications trailers. Housed in a warehouse at department headquarters in Salem, the Fire Cache clothes and equips firefighters at large wildfires statewide. The supplies and equipment provided range from specialized gear such as fire-retardant shirts and pants, to everyday items like pencils and paper. When a Department of Forestry incident management team is deployed to a fire, Fire Cache vans and trailers travel to the site with the team to provide logistical support.
Fire Prevention Tip
This spring as you select ornamental plants to beautify your home, you can also help protect it from wildfire. Planting fire-resistant shrubs such as rhododendrons and azaleas, daphne, grapeholly, and spirea in mosaic patterns throughout the yard can prevent a groundfire from carrying to the house. These and many other fire-resistant plants can be found at local nurseries. More information on selecting fire-resistant plants can be found at http://www.firefree.org/ffreenew/PDF/FireResPlants.pdf
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