10A | JUNE 17, 2021 | FIRE from A1 rologist.” Much of the study is based on data from NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental In- formation, which shows a marked rise in average summer high temperatures between 1991 and 2020. In the long term, annual aver- age temperature trends in the region have also seen a gradual increase between 1895 and 2020. Borgioli also pointed to an increase in dryness. Though drought record- ings in Oregon dating back to 1895 show that swings between dry and wet peri- ods are frequent, March 1 through May 31 this year marked the driest meteo- rological spring on record. Over the past 45 years, said Borgioli, many areas COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL have had increases in the average time without pre- cipitation events, which means not only drier sum- mers, but during the other seasons as well. Precipita- tion events themselves are also becoming more var- ied. The global temperature for May 2021 tied with 2018 as the sixth highest for the month of May in the 142-year NOAA re- cord, which dates back to 1880. Every 10 years, NOAA’s “30-year Climate Normals” are updated. The most re- cent update occurred on May 4, 2021, to cover the period of 1991 through 2020. The trends show warmer temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns. Eugene, for example, saw 5.27 inches less rainfall in the new climate normal period. The city’s period of 1981- 2010 saw 46.10 inches of rainfall, but for the updat- ed period of 1991-2020, the new Normal Annual Precipitation was at 40.83 inches. Nationally, the South- west is trending toward longer and more frequent droughts and the trend has crept up into parts of Ore- gon as well. Borgioli pointed to more episodes of strong, per- sistent, high pressure in the Pacific Ocean which “blocks” storms as part of the reason for some loss of annual precipitation. “Increased variability and overall lower precipi- tation has strong influence on agriculture, vegetation and wildfires,” said Borgio- li. “Increased time between precipitation events has a large impact on wildfires and also affects soil, live- stock, vegetation and wild- life.” Borgioli pointed out that the changes in climate are due to various influ- ences. “We are seeing chang- es in the climate, some of which appear to be influ- enced by man – green- house gases trapping heat and causing a slightly warmer environment,” he said. “Basically, green- house gases act to prevent more radiation from leav- ing Earth at night. This means the incoming solar radiation (sunshine) has less net escape during the night due to these gases acting like a ‘blanket.’ The end result is more overall heat.” Natural phenomena have had an effect this year as well. The relatively weak turnout this last season of the climate pattern La Nina, for example, impact- ed the lack of precipitation this year while a stronger presence may have meant a wetter period. Ultimately, the overall trends point to higher fire risks. “Summers are getting warmer and thus this af- fects wildfire behavior,” said Borgioli. FIRE MANAGEMENT Tuesday, June 15 was the final day for outdoor burn- ing for most Lane County residents until October. During the fire season, A Smarter Way to Power Your Home. Introducing the INOGEN ONE – It’s oxygen therapy on your terms No more tanks to refi ll. No more deliveries. No more hassles with travel. The INOGEN ONE portable oxygen concentrator is designed to provide unparalleled freedom for oxygen therapy users. It’s small, lightweight, clinically proven for stationary and portable use, during the day and at night, and can go virtually anywhere — even on most airlines. Inogen accepts Medicare and many private insurances! see FIRE on A11 Is your vehicle ready for the new season? 10% OFF REPAIRS OR SERVICE ON $ One solution for oxygen at home, away, and for travel yard debris may not be burned, however LRA- PA noted that removing overgrown vegetation is important work to defend against wildfires. Lane Forest Products, Rexius, or Lane Coun- ty’s transfer stations and dumpsites are resources available to the community to dispose of debris. Com- posting and chipping are also encouraged. Residents who burn during the closed season are subject to violations ranging from $50 to $2,500 or more. The Lane County Fire Defense Board will decide 100 00 OR MORE Bring your car in today and take advantage of our Autumn service special! REQUEST A FREE QUOTE! Reclaim Your Freedom And Independence NOW! 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