East Steens Mountain Fire Closure
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HINES, Ore. – Each year, when wildfire season comes around, some activities on public land are temporarily prohibited or restricted to help prevent human-caused fires. On Saturday, June 27, the Burns Interagency Fire Zone implemented such restrictions on the east side of Steens Mountain, including the Pueblo Mountains, Alvord Desert, and a portion of the Trout Creek Mountains, through a regulated fire closure.
The closure prohibits campfires, including charcoal briquette fires, and off-road or cross-country travel in areas not clear of vegetation, berm to berm. Travelers must carry a shovel and gallon of water or fully charged fire extinguisher, smoke only in areas without flammable material at least 6 feet in diameter, and equip all types of motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles with a fully-functioning, U.S. Forest Service approved, spark arrestor.
In addition, travelers should remember that fireworks are prohibited on public land year round, and sky lanterns are illegal in Oregon.
Land affected by the restriction is within the following boundary: from Hwy 78 and East Steens Road, southwest along the crest of Pueblo Mountains to the Oregon/Nevada border, and along the Burns District boundary east and north until it reaches the East Steens Road at Hwy 78.
Hot, dry summer weather and depleting fuel moisture will continue over the next several weeks. Visitors should use extreme caution when recreating outdoors this time of year.
For specific details on the closure order or to see a map of the closure area, call the Burns Interagency Communication Center at (541) 573-4545.
To report a wildfire, call (541) 573-1000.
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.