Local, state and federal officials are bracing for an expensive, potentially catastrophic fire season.Over the past two years, the Oregon Department of Forestry spent more than 200 million dollars fighting wildfires. 2013 was a record season for acres burned and money spent firefighting on state land. ODF spokesman Rod Nichols says drought conditions in Oregon may mean another rough season, but a lot depends on the weather.
Nichols: "When you have those dry conditions that we've been experiencing and then you have a lot of lightning it starts so many fires that the firefighting system is temporarily overwhelmed."
Nichols says the drought could mean a longer than typical fire season. The other cause of wildfire is human activity. Nichols advises people to be mindful when recreating in the forest.
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