As Central Oregonians ready for hunting season or prepare for a Labor Day weekend cookout, the U.S. Forest Service is reminding people to remain vigilant of wildfire danger, especially with warm weather forecast for the days ahead. Lightning strikes are expected Thursday, followed by temperatures in the mid-80s over the weekend.

Firefighters responded to several fires Wednesday afternoon. The largest was the Tumalo Creek Fire burning near Tam McArthur Rim west of Bend. The Deschutes National Forest planned to use retardant to help ground crews stop the fire’s spread. No structures were threatened, and the fire was not burning in the Tumalo Creek watershed, according to the Forest Service.

Campfires are currently allowed on most public lands in Central Oregon outside of the annual restrictions put in place on Bureau of Land Management river corridors, according to the Deschutes National Forest.

Central Oregon has enjoyed a relatively quiet fire season this year, particularly compared to the previous two summers when a thick haze enveloped Bend and other communities for days on end.

The Forest Service warns that campfires that have not been extinguished properly have the potential to reemerge hours or even days after being “put out.”

The Forest Service recommends using the “drown, stir, feel and repeat” method to ensure a campfire is fully extinguished.

Despite the mild fire season so far, crews have remained busy, responding to 155 lightning-caused fires in July and August, as well as 79 human-caused fires in the past three months. Those tallies do not reflect fires sparked Wednesday afternoon.

Last year, 243,491 acres burned in Central Oregon, according to data provided by the Central Oregon Fire Management Service. This year that number is down to just 1,034 acres of land burned by wildfire. While the number of fire starts is similar year-on-year, this season has seen more precipitation, which has helped crews contain wildfires.

“Our days are going to continue to be warm and the fuels are dry — still very receptive to starting a wildfire with just the smallest spark,” said Alex Robertson, fire and aviation staff officer for fire management service. “Nights are cooling, and days are shortening, but Central Oregon is still very much in fire season.”

Besides campfires, the Forest Service warns people to take care around dry grass, especially when operating a motor vehicle, smoking cigarettes or shooting firearms.

Before cutting firewood on public lands, the Forest Service recommends checking Industrial Fire Precaution Levels, which can be obtained by calling 800-523-4737. Additional wildfire updates can be found on www.centraloregonfire.com.

— Reporter: 541-617-7818, mkohn@bendbulletin.com