BLM issues seasonal fire closure for La Pine Basin beginning May 1
PRINEVILLE, Ore. — To increase public safety and reduce the risk of human‑caused wildfires, the Bureau of Land Management will implement a seasonal fire closure in the La Pine basin beginning 12:01 a.m. on May 1, 2026, and continuing through October 31, 2026.
Under this closure, the following activities are prohibited on BLM‑administered lands in the La Pine basin:
- Campfires or open flames: Building, lighting, maintaining, or using a campfire, charcoal fire, or any type of open flame is not allowed. Exception: You may use commercially manufactured metal camp stoves for cooking and shielded lanterns fueled by bottled propane or liquid fuel. All devices must meet UL/CSA safety standards and be used responsibly
- Smoking restrictions: Smoking is only allowed inside non‑public buildings, inside closed vehicles, on boats on lakes or rivers, or while standing in an area cleared of all flammable material at least three feet in diameter
BLM‑administered lands within the following boundaries are included in this closure:
- South Century Drive to the north
- Fremont‑Winema National Forest boundary to the south
- Deschutes National Forest on both the east and west sides
There are no exceptions unless approved in advance by an authorized BLM official or during emergency conditions.
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 the closure area, reflecting a unified effort to enforce the closure order.
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.
For more information, please contact the BLM Prineville District Office at 541-416-6700, visit blm.gov or centraloregonfire.org.
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.