Emergency closures significantly reduced across the BLM
Oregon-Washington
Prineville DO
Media Contact
BLM Office:
Prineville, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management is reducing the size of emergency closures caused by recent wildfire activity. The reopened areas include the Deschutes River from Warm Springs to the Columbia River, the John Day River above Service Creek and below Clarno, and most of the southern and eastern portions of the district. Some areas remain closed, including public lands within active fire perimeters and lands south of Highway 218 and north of Highway 26 in the Rowe Creek Complex. Official closure orders and maps are available online:
These changes are effective immediately and will remain in place until conditions improve and safe access can be re-established. All public access to closed lands is prohibited, with specific exemptions for emergency personnel and local landowners.
If you’re planning to visit the open areas, please use extreme caution. Cell service can be spotty or nonexistent. Conditions can shift fast, and fire behavior may change with little warning.
Acting Prineville District Manager Kyle Hensley said, “Access to our public lands is important to all of us. Summer camping and recreation—including rafting and hunting—are part of living in Central Oregon. We will continue reopening areas as quickly as possible in coordination with fire and emergency management agencies. Our top priority will always be public and firefighter safety.”
Violations of these closures may lead to prosecution before a United States Magistrate, fines under 18 U.S.C. 3571, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. Vehicles found in violation may also be removed.
All public lands in Central Oregon are under Public Use Restrictions Level 2, which prohibit:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire, including charcoal fires
- Smoking except inside an enclosed vehicle or while standing in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is clear of all flammable materials
- Operating a chainsaw between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.
- Operating a motor vehicle off designated roads and trails
For further information, please contact the Prineville District Front Desk at 541-416-6700.
https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.
https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.
We appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation as we work to protect lives, property, and public lands during this critical period.
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.