Campfires banned with increased fire restrictions in Northwest Oregon

SALEM, Ore. — Wildfire danger continues to increase, and the Bureau of Land Management is enacting a Level II Fire Prevention Order further restricting fire-related activities on BLM-administered lands in Northwest Oregon, effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 1. These restrictions provide for public safety and protect natural resources.

What’s Prohibited:

• All campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires. (Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.)
• Smoking in timber, brush, or grass areas, except in vehicles on roads or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter free of any flammable material.
• Driving off-road. Vehicles must stay on cleared roadways and park in areas free of vegetation.
  • Exception: Motorcycles and Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) are allowed on designated trails in Shotgun and Upper Nestucca OHV areas when the Fire Danger Class is low (green) or moderate (blue), or between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. when the Fire Danger Class is high (yellow).
• Chainsaw use or any operation generating sparks, such as welding, cutting, or grinding, except by permit.

• Use of combustion engines or electric tools near vegetation unless equipped with spark arresters that properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order.

Those operating a motorized vehicle on BLM Northwest Oregon District administered lands must have the following in their vehicle:

• One shovel, at least 26 inches long, with a blade at least eight inches wide.
• One water container (at least one gallon filled to capacity), or a 2.5-pound ABC fire extinguisher, fully charged.

These Level II fire restrictions help reduce the risk of human-caused fires, and build on the BLM’s statewide fire restrictions prohibiting fireworks, exploding targets or metallic targets, steel component ammunition (core or jacket), tracer or incendiary devices, and sky lanterns. District and state restrictions will stay in effect until rescinded.

Those who violate the prohibition may be fined up to $100,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 12 months. In addition, those found responsible for starting wildland fires on federal lands can be billed for the cost of fire suppression and resource damages.

The restrictions apply to the 720,000 acres of BLM-administered land from Columbia County down to the northern boundary of Douglas County. View the OR/WA BLM Administrative Offices map for specific locations. Visit Oregon/Washington Fire Closures & Restrictions for the full order and additional information.