BLM officials update fire restrictions, road closure

MEDFORD, Ore. — Bureau of Land Management officials in the Medford District announce the adjustment of the below fire restrictions and road closure:

Starting Sept. 10 at 12:01 a.m., BLM-administered lands in Jackson and Josephine counties decreased from extreme to high fire danger level.

The main difference with this update is the permitted hours of use for power-driven equipment. Grinding, cutting of metal, and using other spark-emitting equipment, such as wood splitters and generators, is allowed until 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m. daily.

All campfires remain prohibited. Portable stoves or fire pits using liquified or bottled fuels may still be used in locations that are clear of dry vegetation.

The following activities also remain restricted:

• Smoking is only allowed while inside a vehicle or while stopped in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is clear of flammable vegetation.
• Operating a motor vehicle and parking off road (including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles) is only allowed on roadways clear of flammable vegetation.
• Using fireworks, exploding targets or tracer ammunition is prohibited.
• Using a chainsaw or other equipment with internal combustion engines for felling, bucking, skidding, wood cutting or any other operation is prohibited between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. A firewatch of at least one hour is required following the use of a saw.
• Welding, or operating a torch with an open flame, is prohibited between 1:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

Visitors to BLM-administered public lands are required to carry tools with them to ensure small fires can be put out quickly, including a shovel, axe and at least one gallon of water or a 2.5-pound fire extinguisher.

Violation of these restrictions can result in a fine up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year.

Additionally, the BLM has lifted the closure order on the Cow Creek Scenic Byway. The temporary closure was in place for the Dad’s Creek Fire to allow safe access for firefighters and ensure public safety. Fire officials have assessed conditions and determined that a closure is no longer needed.

Firefighters are utilizing the Cow Creek Scenic Byway to access the Kelsey Peak Fire. Please drive slowly, watch out for firefighting equipment, and drive with your headlights on. There is the potential for smoke from nearby wildfires, including the Kelsey Peak Fire and Moon Complex.

Despite recent rain, weather and fuel conditions remain favorable for continued fire spread. For the latest road and weather condition updates, visit ODOT's Trip Check. BLM Medford District is in high fire danger. Fire restriction information is available at Oregon/Washington Fire Management.

For updated information on public use restrictions, please visit Oregon/Washington Fire Management and the Oregon Department of Forestry.