Annual campfire restrictions to start on BLM rivers in Central Oregon
Prineville, Ore. — Annual campfire restrictions will go into effect May 13 on certain BLM land in Central Oregon. Campfires will be prohibited along portions of the Crooked, Deschutes, John Day and White Rivers, as well as on BLM-administered lands along Lake Billy Chinook and Lake Simtustus.
“Protecting the safety of the public and employees is always our top priority. Central Oregon is a popular place for outdoor recreation, especially around rivers and waterways in the summer. Campfire restrictions are being implemented earlier than in previous years in response to current seasonal conditions,” said Kyle Hensley, acting district manager for the Prineville District.
The river fire closures prohibit campfires, charcoal fires, or any other type of open flame. This includes a ban on the use of portable propane campfires and wood pellet burning devices. Commercially manufactured lanterns and metal camp stoves used for cooking are allowed, when fueled with bottled propane or liquid fuel and operated in a responsible manner. Under the restrictions, smoking is not allowed except inside vehicles or on the water.
Restrictions will remain in effect until October 15, 2026. A violation of this closure is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment of not more than 12 months, or both.
For details on campfire closures and specific locations on BLM lands, please refer to the river closure order. You can also call the Prineville BLM District Office at (541) 416-6700 or visit Fire Restrictions -Oregon-Washington Bureau of Land Management for more information about these closures and other fire restrictions in Central Oregon.
Additional information about public use restrictions on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and the BLM Prineville District fire activity in Central Oregon is available online at: https://centraloregonfire.org/.
The BLM is working with the newly established U.S. Wildland Fire Service to coordinate, monitor, and communicate these restrictions in partnership with other federal wildland firefighting agencies within the Central Oregon Fire Management Service (COFMS). Visitors and locals may notice multiple agency logos posted and interagency COFMS prevention patrols by federal wildland fire apparatus throughout Central Oregon, reflecting a unified effort to enforce multiple closure orders. The BLM asks all visitors to follow these restrictions to help prevent wildfires to protect communities, infrastructure, natural resources and public lands enjoyed by thousands of people each year.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.