Fireworks and Exploding Targets Ban 2017
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Portland, Ore. – Effective May 26, 2017, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) prohibits the use of fireworks, target shooting with exploding targets, and the firing of a tracer or incendiary device on all BLM-managed public lands throughout Oregon and Washington. The ban will be in effect from May 26 to October 14, 2017.
While wildfire conditions are expected to be normal at lower elevations, the transition could be slower at higher elevations due to the abundant snowpack accumulation, according to a report by the National Interagency Fire Center. Read the full report: https://goo.gl/9gRtnA
“As we approach summer and the time for families and friends to enjoy our public lands, the BLM wants to remind everyone to protect our wildlife habitats, watersheds, rangelands, and forests – the lands that work for you,” said Jamie Connell, State Director for BLM Oregon/Washington.
“While lightning can cause wildfires, most wildfires are caused by people including the use of exploding targets. And with more of us living near areas that border public lands, the risk of fire to homes and communities has increased along with an increased cost to fire suppression,” explained Connell.
Those who ignite fireworks, exploding targets, or incendiary devices on BLM-managed lands can be fined up to $1,000, receive a prison term of up to one year, or both. An incendiary device is defined as any firebomb, and any device designed or specially adapted to cause physical harm to persons or property by means of fire, and consisting of an incendiary substance or agency and a means to ignite it. Examples include but are not limited to a flamethrower, Molotov cocktail, or accelerant. In addition, individuals responsible for starting wildland fires on federal lands can be billed for the cost of fire suppression.
The BLM cooperates with the Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordinating Group to fight wildland fires in the Pacific Northwest. The Geographic Area Coordination Center offers updates on the fire potential regionally and nationally and the NW Coordination Center provides updates in the Pacific Northwest.
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.