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BLM issues reminders about fire season in southwestern Oregon

Fire prevention measures went into effect June 1
Oregon-Washington
Medford DO
Media Contact
Kyle Sullivan
541-618-2340

Medford, Ore. — To reduce the risk of human-caused fires, Bureau of Land Management officials have restricted certain activities on public lands Southwest Oregon. As summer approaches and the weather warms up, fuels are rapidly drying out and firefighters are responding to more fires.

“Be prepared when you visit your public lands this summer,” said Al Mason, Fire Management Officer for the BLM Medford District. “Pack a shovel and fire extinguisher, and follow BLM’s fire restriction orders to help prevent fires.”

Visitors can stay up to date on fire restrictions by visiting BLM Oregon/Washington’s fire restriction webpage. Everyone can play a part in keeping Oregon Green by reducing human caused fires.

The public use restrictions that went into effect June 1 include a few small steps you can take to prevent fires:

  1. Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, and other designated locations.
  2. Power saw users must have a shovel and an 8 oz. (or larger) fire extinguisher and must maintain a firewatch for at least one hour after saw use. Currently, use of power saws is permitted all day, as long as the area remains in low fire danger.
  3. While traveling in a motor vehicle, visitors must have one shovel and one gallon of water or one 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher. (This requirement does not apply to travel on state highways, county roads, or driveways.) All-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must be equipped with one 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher.
  4. Fireworks are prohibited on BLM public lands, along with exploding targets, metal targets, and firing tracer or incendiary devices

For more information, please contact the BLM Medford District at 541-618-2200 or [email protected].

The BLM manages more than 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.