Central Oregon's wildfire season is starting earlier than usual due to dry forests and low snowpack. A preseason briefing in Sisters highlighted the need for preparedness.
- Low snowpack at three of five measuring sites is at 0% of median. - A wildfire near Sisters grew to over 40 acres on Sunday.
- Fire restrictions began May 1, six weeks earlier than normal. - Officials are hiring more staff and seeking federal funding for equipment and vegetation removal.
The season's severity will depend on weather, with El Niño conditions expected to bring warmer, drier weather.