Widespread Emergency Closures Implemented across BLM Prineville District

PRINEVILLE, Ore. — Due to extreme wildfire activity across Central Oregon, the Bureau of Land Management’s Prineville District is issuing emergency closures to protect public safety, natural and cultural resources, and reduce conflicts with firefighting and emergency personnel.

The closures encompass nearly all BLM-administered lands in the Prineville District, including broad areas from the Columbia River south to Mitchell, west to the Deschutes National Forest boundary, north around Lake Billy Chinook, the Lower Deschutes River corridor near Warm Springs, and lands extending from Interstate 84 south through Madras, Prineville, and Hwy 20 to the district’s eastern boundary. Closure maps and additional details will be posted online on the Fire Closures & Restrictions page.

These closures 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.

Violations of this closure 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.

A limited number of areas remain accessible and are currently 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

If you’re planning to visit the areas that remain open, please use extreme caution. Cell service is spotty or nonexistent. Conditions can shift fast, and fire behavior may change with little warning.

“One of the reasons we all live in Central Oregon is because of the ability to recreate on public lands,” said Kyle Hensley, Acting Prineville District Manager. ”We want to open them back up as quickly as possible and will do so in coordination with the appropriate fire management agencies. Our number one priority is public and firefighter safety.”

For further information, please contact the Prineville District Front Desk at 541-416-6700 or visit Oregon/Washington Fire Closures & Restrictions.

We appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation as we work to protect lives, property, and public lands during this critical period.