Oregonians Told To Prepare For A Bad Wildfire Season

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek declared May Wildfire Awareness Month. She noted in Tuesday's announcement that people play the largest role in wildfires.

"On average, over 70% of wildfires in Oregon are human caused," Kotek said. That, the Governor added, means these fires are preventable.

Oregon State Fire Marshall Mariana Ruiz-Temple said there are steps you can take to protect your home.

"The number one thing you can do as Oregonians right now is to be ready and use the month of May to create that zero to five foot buffer," Ruiz-Temple said. "That's the number one thing you can do to protect your home and your family and your property from wildfire."

Photo: Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office

The Oregon State Fire Marshall's Website has other fire prevention actions you can take. Ruiz-Temple added her office has conducted over 6,300 defensible space inspections to show property owners how they can reduce fire risk.

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