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Medford, Oregon – Thanks to progress made by firefighters on the South Obenchain Fire, the Bureau of Land Management Butte Falls Field Office is rescinding the public lands closure notices near the South Obenchain Fire. Public lands closures remain in effect near the Slater Fire.

Before venturing out to public lands near the South Obenchain Fire, be aware that safety concerns still exist. Ash and dust from the fire may contain toxic and cancer-causing chemicals. Watch out for fire weakened trees and limbs that can fall without warning. If wind picks up, leave the area immediately. In wet weather, water or mud may build up quickly and may cause a slide. Stump holes can remain hot long after the fire is out, and footing can be unstable if roots have burned out underground. Hot spots still exist within the fire perimeter.

Despite the re-opening of these public lands, fuel conditions remain dry and new starts are possible. Help us thank firefighters, and protect your community, by doing your part to prevent new fires by following the public use restrictions that are still in place. Campfires are prohibited on all public lands in the Medford District, and smoking is only allowed while inside a vehicle or in an area that is at least three feet in diameter clear of flammable vegetation.

Public lands closures remain in effect near the Slater Fire to reduce interference with emergency crews and allow for fire suppression and burned area recovery. Members of the public may not enter closed areas, all uses are prohibited in the area, and Bureau of Land Management roads and trails are closed.

The Slater Fire Closure includes all Bureau of Land Management public lands south of Cave Junction and south of Highway 46 from Cave Junction east to the boundary of the National Forest.

Maps of the closure areas are available on the Bureau of Land Management’s website: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions

Please call 911 to report any signs of new fires.

Thank a firefighter by observing public use fire restrictions to help us limit new starts during this time:

• Campfires or any other type of open fire, including the use of charcoal briquettes, is prohibited on BLM-managed land.
• Smoking is only allowed while inside a vehicle or while stopped in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is clear of flammable vegetation.
• 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 or other equipment with internal combustion engines for felling, bucking, skidding, woodcutting, or any other operation is prohibited between the hours of 1:00 PM and 8:00 PM. A fire watch of at least one hour is required following use of a saw.
• Welding or operating a torch with an open flame is prohibited.

Visitors to lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management are also required to carry tools with them to ensure small fires can be put out quickly, including a shovel, axe, and at least one gallon of water or a 2.5-pound fire extinguisher. 

A list of personal use restrictions, as well as closure orders, are available at https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter @BLMOregon.