Fire season is here, and if one needs a reminder about the very real dangers, just look AT what our neighbors to the north are going through and then remember — it’s only June.

Fires are burning in nine of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories and have devoured millions of acres of forest, swallowed up hundreds of structures, forced more than 100,000 people from their homes and blanketed cities near and far from the flames in clouds of toxic smoke.

It’s a scenario that has played out right here in Oregon for the last several years — uncontrollable fire, thick smoke blanketing the state, devastation and the loss of life.

Last year, more than 456,000 acres burned across the state, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center in Portland. In 2021, wildfires burned 828,777 acres. And in 2020 — one of the most destructive fire seasons in Oregon’s history — fires scorched well over a million acres and destroyed thousands of homes.

So, needless to say, avoiding a similar outcome this summer should be at the top of everyone’s priority list.

Those exceptional outdoor locations, though, are always at risk in the summer of becoming tinderboxes and igniting. For the last couple of years, portions of Eastern, Western and Southern Oregon have been traumatized and scorched by out-of-control wildfires that left a deadly wake. Towns were burned and people died. We do not want to see that kind of scenario play out here.

That means, then, those who wish to play in our forests and enjoy camping and other recreational opportunities must pay attention and use caution as the watchword.

The wildfire danger is always there, but this year, with drought still haunting most of the West, the risk remains high. That means forests and grasslands are potentially going to be dry.

Safeguarding our public forests and lands during the summer months is not difficult. Small actions can make a huge difference. For example, campers and those heading into the woods to recreate should ensure they check their vehicles and generators and confirm they function. When pulling a trailer into a camping spot, make sure safety chains and other equipment are not going to drag on the road and possibly cause sparks.

Campfires should be small and contained within either rocks or a metal ring. Campers should also be careful to pick the right spot for a campfire. Keep campfires away from tents, trees and dry grass. And always makes sure the campfire is completely out before you depart.

Those are simple and easy steps to ensure the things we enjoy the most about our area remain viable and as pristine as possible throughout the summer.

We cannot control Mother Nature and lightning strikes are part of the summer. But 70% of wildfires in Oregon are caused by humans, fire officials say. If we can follow commonsense steps to reduce the number of those blazes, everyone — including firefighters — should be able to breathe a little easier during this year’s fire season.