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According to Oregon
Department of Forestry wildfire statistics: Prior to 2007, the 10-year average of human-caused wildfires was
742 per year; the average acreage was 5,256, and the average suppression costs were $6.1
million. By the close of the 2008 fire season, while the 10-year averages for wildfires increased to 748 and suppression to $6.23 million, the 10-year average for acres decreased to
5,159. This
certainly reflects the quick responses by ODF suppression crews.
According to wildfire experts, wildfires are now burning so intensely that it will
take years for the forests to recover; and due to the effects of these super hot wildfires where the soil has burned leaving nothing but rock, some of the forests may never grow back. As a result,
the ecosystem is drastically changed. | |
2008 human-caused wildFIRES
|
Statewide Totals |
Number |
Acres |
Suppression Costs |
|
Debris Burning |
206 |
403 |
$286,262 | |
Equipment Use |
197 |
355 |
$743,880 | |
Recreation
(camp & warming fires) |
109 |
113 |
$284,141 | |
Smoking |
42 |
169 |
$639,554 | |
Children Playing with Fire |
30 |
19 |
$36,264 |
|
Miscellaneous |
90 |
138 |
$321,940 |
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