By Amy Sienicki
 
June 15, 2009
 
WHITE CITY, Ore. - Firefighters say spring rain is delaying fire season for parts of Southern Oregon and Northern California, but that delay could make things worse once the heat comes.
 
The increased rain means taller grass, and as temperatures go up this week, the rapid warm up will mean the grass will dry out. That taller grass poses a greater risk for fires. Firefighters say grass fires can be challenging if they are wind driven.
 
"Grasses are getting a little bit taller right now. So just make sure they're well away from your home, so if there is a fire we'll be able to get in and get between the fire and your home," says Don Hickman with Fire District 3.
 
The National Weather Service says the interesting thing about the scattered thunderstorms this past week is that they've been hit or miss, meaning that parts of the region will be much drier than others come fire season.
 
Once fire season starts, there will be restrictions on using power tools.
 
Meanwhile, the rainy weather is pushing back when the Oregon Department of Forestry will have someone man the Soda Mountain Tower.
 
This will be the 23rd year Ken Struck will be looking out for lightning and smoke on top of Soda Mountain. Struck says he typically goes up to the tower around mid June and stays through mid October.
 
ODF says it probably won't have Struck go up until later on this week or early next week.