BLM announces fire restrictions for Vale District effective July 4

VALE, Ore. – To help prevent human-caused wildfires on public lands, the Bureau of Land Management Vale District will be implementing additional fire restrictions beginning Friday, July 4.

“Already this year, Vale BLM firefighters have responded to several wildfires on public and private property in eastern Oregon,” Vale BLM Fire Management Officer Brent Meisinger said. “Many of these fires were human caused. Enjoy your public lands, but please do it smartly and safely.”

Prohibitions against the use of fireworks, tracer and incendiary ammunition, and exploding or metal targets on public lands have been in place across the Oregon/Washington BLM region since May 15.

These added restrictions apply to public lands within the Malheur and Baker Resource Areas and all Bureau of Reclamation (BOR)-managed lands protected by BLM’s Fire Division, including the Owyhee River below the dam, Beulah Reservoir, Bully Creek Reservoir, and other scattered tracts in eastern Oregon.

Open fires of any sort are prohibited. Visitors can use liquefied and bottle-gas stoves and heaters within an area at least 10 feet in diameter that is clear of all flammable materials.

Operating a motor vehicle off existing routes or on roads where dried vegetation may touch the undercarriage is also prohibited, as is the use of chain saws or blow torches, or the cutting, grinding, or welding of metal, and other restrictions.

“Equipment caused fires, primarily those caused by vehicles, are the most common human cause of wildfires on Vale BLM-protected lands,” Vale BLM Fire Management Specialist Al Crouch said. “We highly recommend proper maintenance of your vehicles and trailers.”

Help prevent vehicle/equipment fires everywhere by:

• Maintaining engine and exhaust systems to prevent sparks or hot debris from shooting out the exhaust. Motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) used on public lands must be equipped with a properly functioning and approved spark arrestor.
• Ensuring vehicle and trailer tires are not worn, brakes are in good working order, bearings and axles are greased, nothing is dragging on the vehicle or trailer, loads are secured, and safety chains are properly in place.
• Parking in areas barren of flammable materials.

Additionally, internal combustion engine vehicles must carry a shovel, and one gallon container of water or a fully charged and operable 2.5-pound fire extinguisher.

Anyone found guilty of violating a fire prevention order on public land could face significant fines and/or imprisonment. Offenders may also be liable for the cost of fire suppression and rehabilitation of the land in the event of a fire.

Any and all wildfire starts on public or private land should be reported by calling 911. For more information about current fire restrictions within Vale District BLM-protected lands, visit the Vale District Office page or call 541-473-3144.