BLM announces fire prevention order for Klamath River Canyon
Lakeview, Ore. — As seasonal conditions dry out across southern Oregon, the Bureau of Land Management’s Lakeview District is implementing a Fire Prevention Order for public lands within one-half mile of the Klamath River, stretching from the Keno Dam downstream to the Oregon–California border. The order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on May 22, 2026, and will remain in place until lifted.
The measure is designed to reduce the chance of human-caused wildfires in the steep, heavily vegetated Klamath River Canyon, where fire behavior can accelerate rapidly during warm, windy periods.
“Public awareness and preparation are essential this time of year,” said Todd Forbes, BLM Lakeview District Manager. “Simple steps, like keeping your vehicle off dry grass and using fuel-powered stoves safely, can make a big difference in preventing wildfire starts.”
Visitors can stay up-to-date on fire restrictions by visiting BLM Oregon/Washington’s fire restriction webpage. Everyone has a role to play in keeping Oregon Green by reducing the number of human-caused fires.
The following are a few of the activities prohibited on affected BLM-administered lands:
- Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on roads or while stopped in an area at least six (6) feet from vegetation.
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal briquettes, is prohibited, except in Topsy Campground.
- Operating a chainsaw, either electric or combustion powered.
- Operating a motorized vehicle without having at least one gallon of water or one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher, one shovel, and one 2-pound axe. (This requirement does not apply to travel on state highways, county roads, or driveways.)
- Fireworks are prohibited on BLM public lands, along with exploding targets, metal targets, and firing tracer or incendiary devices.
Visitors should review the fire prevention order on the fire restrictions webpage for the full list of restrictions.
For more information, please contact the BLM Lakeview District at 541-947-6100 or [email protected].
Residents and visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant, stay informed about local fire conditions, and report any wildfires immediately.
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service manages wildfire prevention, response, and recovery across lands administered by the Interior Department. It conducts these operations in close coordination with Interior’s land management agencies. Together, we are fostering fire-resilient landscapes and safeguarding communities.
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.