Removing dense and overgrown vegetation on the slope can decrease the chance of a wildfire from reaching the tree canopy and improve firefighters’ ability to respond to the fire.
Witness statements at the scene of the fire indicate fireworks may have been a cause of Tuesday’s fire, though this was not confirmed as of Tuesday.
“A spark can ignite a wildfire in just moments,” Shadwick said. “The public is reminded that fireworks are prohibited within Eugene city limits, including parks and natural areas.”
Increase in fireworks-related calls
According to Melinda McLaughlin, spokesperson for the Eugene Police Department, dispatch calls regarding illegal fireworks between 8 p.m. on July 4 and 2 a.m. on July 5 rose to a staggering 185 calls in 2023, the highest volume the department has seen in at least eight years. In contrast, only 131 calls were reported during the same time period in 2022 and 128 calls were reported in 2021.