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Emergency closure of certain BLM-managed public lands in Deschutes County due to Pine Mountain wildfire

Oregon-Washington
Prineville DO
Media Contact
Suzannah Burke
541-675-5094
BLM Office:
Prineville District Office

Prineville, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management has issued an emergency temporary closure of select public lands in Deschutes County, effective immediately, in response to a wildfire burning in the area. The closure is intended to reduce conflicts with fire crews, support suppression operations and protect public safety and natural resources.

The closure applies to the following BLM-managed lands:

  • Township 20 South, Range 15 East: lands lying south and east of the Deschutes National Forest boundary.
  • Township 20 South, Range 16 East: lands lying southwesterly of Fox Butte Road.
  • Township 21 South, Range 15 East: lands lying north and east of the Deschutes National Forest boundary. 
  • Township 21 South, Range 16 East: lands lying westerly of Moffit Road.

The closure will remain in place until conditions allow for safe public access. All uses within the closure area are prohibited.

The following individuals are exempt:

  1. Federal, state or local officers; organized medical, rescue or firefighting personnel engaged in emergency, fire or law enforcement activities; and public utility employees conducting emergency repairs. 
  2. BLM employees, contractors or agents performing official duties. 
  3. Individuals acting within the scope of their official governmental responsibilities. 
  4. Individuals with valid existing rights of access, including right-of-way holders, permittees, lease holders or inholding landowners. 
  5. Individuals with written authorization from the BLM authorized officer.

Violating the closure may result in prosecution before a U.S. magistrate, fines under 18 U.S.C. 3571, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. Vehicles found in violation may be removed. The closure order is effective immediately upon signature.

For more information, contact the BLM Prineville District Office at 541-416-6700 or email [email protected]. Closure updates will be posted online at Fire Restrictions - Oregon-Washington BLM.

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.