The usually warmer temperatures that come with the arrival of May could couple with below average rainfall this month to make a damaging fire season in the coming summer.

Major news organizations so far have been mostly silent about the potential fire danger, but several small wildfires already have broken out in places from the more wildfire-prone Medford area to the usually moister Colton, southeast of Oregon City.

While temperatures this time of year are generally cooler than in summer months, fire experts say this is no time for people to drop their guard, especially folks who live in the Cascade foothills.

"Surprisingly, wildfire danger lurks during the period of seasonal transition," reports the Oregon Department of Forestry. "Winter snowpack was heavy and rainfall above average, but even brief periods of sunshine and winds can quickly dry out forest vegetation."

ODF experts say dead grass left over from last fall can kindle and spread a fire in minutes. And other small organic materials such as shrubs are already capable of producing large flames, if ignited.

Firefighters say to create "defensible space" around structures. Defensible space is an area where more fire-prone fuels are minimized or eliminated. It's not necessary to remove all vegetation, but vegetation that remains should be fire resistant and should be irrigated to keep it moist. Grass should be kept mowed, shrubs should be neatly trimmed, and trees should be sparsely planted—away from medium-size shrubs and with lower limbs removed—so that fire can't spread into them from other vegetation.

Homes in wildland fringe areas need to have at least 100 feet of defensible space surrounding them in all directions. No part of any trees should be closer to a structure than 30 feet. These distances need to be increased for buildings on slopes.

All this mowing, pruning and clearing is bound to create some yard waste. ODF cautions that this waste must be disposed of with caution. If circumstances allow, it's best to send debris to a collection facility or landfill. If yard debris must be burned, follow these safety tips:

• Check with the local fire department to learn if a burning permit is required and if there are designated burn days;
• Locate the burn pile in the open away from trees and shrubs;
• Dig a trail completely around the pile, down to mineral soil;
• Have a garden hose (with water turned on) and a shovel readily available;
• Ignite the pile only when conditions are calm or the wind is very light;
• Attend the fire continuously from start to finish; and 
• When finished burning for the day, douse the burn pile with water, then check and re-check the ashes to be sure no heat remains.