BLM closes public lands along John Day River due to Black Rock Fire
PRINEVILLE, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management has issued an immediate temporary closure of specific public lands in Gilliam, Sherman, Wasco, and Wheeler Counties due to the active Black Rock Fire. This emergency action is taken to protect public safety, support firefighting efforts, and preserve natural resources.
Affected areas include:
- All BLM-managed lands within 6 miles on either side of the John Day River, north of Highway 218 and south of Thirtymile Creek
- Armstrong Canyon Road
- Thirtymile Recreation Area
- Clarno Road north of Highway 218
- All day-use and dispersed camping areas within the closure zone
This closure is effective immediately and will remain in place until conditions allow for safe public access. All public entry and use of these lands is prohibited, with specific exemptions for emergency personnel, BLM staff, individuals with valid existing access rights, and those with written authorization from the BLM.
For further information, please contact the Prineville District Front Desk at 541-416-6700 or email [email protected].
Additional details and a closure map will be available online at Oregon/Washington Fire Closures & Restrictions.
Any person who violates this may be tried before a United States Magistrate and fined in accordance with 18 U.S.C. We appreciate the public’s cooperation as we work to ensure safety and support fire suppression efforts during this critical time.
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.