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Central Oregon hits height of fire season

Summer got started late this year, but Central Oregon Fire officials say conditions are now ripe for wildfire.

Cool, wet weather in spring and early summer delayed the fire season. But there have been several weeks of warm temperatures and dry conditions. George Ponte is Central Oregon District Forester with the State Department of Forestry. He says so far, there haven't been any big fires in the region.

"We're kind of on pins and needles right now because we are in extreme conditions and if somebody were to do something without thinking it through we could end up with a very large destructive and expensive fire."

Ponte says a lit cigarette, unattended campfire or lightning strike could ignite a wildfire. There are a number of restrictions on activities in public and private forest lands to reduce the threat.

Copyright 2011 KLCC.