SALEM — The 2019 fire season officially came to an end Tuesday on all lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. The 923 wildfires on ODF-protected lands this year is about average.

However, because of favorable conditions and successful initial attacks, the 16,867 total acres burned is 56 percent below average. Based on the number of days in the fire season as an agency, 2019 was the shortest fire season in the 21st century at only 99 days, three weeks shorter than the 121-day fire season average for ODF.

“Thanks to a minimum number of wildfires on the landscape statewide, we were fortunate to have adequate resources to respond to fires on our jurisdiction,” said ODF Fire Protection Chief Ron Graham. “With two team deployments — to the Milepost 97 Fire and Ward Fire — we share in the success of the 2019 fire season with Oregon’s complete and coordinated fire protection system, including forest and range landowners, local fire districts, Tribes, contractors, federal, state and county partners.”

The end of the fire season removes restrictions on ODF-protected lands intended to prevent wildfires, such as on backyard debris burning and use of certain equipment. Many structural fire departments in Oregon, however, still may require a permit for debris burning.

As Oregon transitions out of fire season, ODF districts across the state are shifting attention to wildfire prevention efforts. Clearing vegetation, creating defensible space around homes and keeping debris piles under control are just a few ways ODF is working with local landowners, members of the public and fellow fire response agencies to mitigate wildfire risk.

“While we are seeing cool, rainy fall weather, it is important to note conditions can change quickly,” Graham said. “Given most of the lightning this time of year is accompanied by rain, human-caused fire starts tend to increase in number. People are anxious to burn backyard debris piles and can get complacent with fire safety. We are grateful for the help of every Oregonian working together to prevent wildfires year-round.”

The start and end of fire season is set by each fire protection district based on the fuel conditions in their area. The arrival of steady, soaking rain coupled with cooler temperatures and shorter day lengths usually triggers the closure of fire season.The 2019 fire season varied in length from 122 day in ODF’s Southwest Oregon District to 78 days in the Northwest Oregon District.