Be Fire Aware: Extreme Fire Danger on Public Lands in Lakeview District
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LAKEVIEW, Ore. — As the warm weather continues and fire danger increases, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lakeview District is implementing additional public use restrictions on lands managed by the BLM in south-central Oregon starting July 28, 2022, at 12:01 a.m.
Campfires will no longer be allowed except in designated areas. Visitors can use portable cooking stoves that use liquefied or bottled fuels. Otherwise, campfires or any other type of open fire, including the use of charcoal briquettes, is prohibited.
Additionally, the following activities are restricted:
- Smoking is only allowed while inside a vehicle.
- 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 is prohibited.
- Welding, or operating a torch with an open flame, is prohibited.
- Visitors to BLM public lands are also required to carry tools with them to ensure small fires can be put out quickly, including a shovel, ax, 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 $1,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year.
The safety of the public and all wildland fire responders is always the number one priority for all wildland fire agencies. This year, it is especially important everyone does their part to reduce human caused wildfires. Fire officials are taking the necessary steps to ensure their ability to deploy firefighters for wildfire response. Officials stress their commitment to the most efficient wildland fire suppression operations during these challenging times.
For updated information on public use restrictions, please visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.
Please be aware that fire restrictions will differ slightly among agencies, and these restrictions do not apply to incorporated cities. Before visiting, please check the specific fire restrictions with the respective land management agency.
The BLM manages more than 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.