Fireworks Banned on BLM-Managed Lands in Oregon and Washington 2010

Organization

BLM

BLM Office:

Oregon/Washington State Office

Media Contact:

Maria Thi Mai

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) prohibits the use of fireworks on all BLM-managed public lands throughout Oregon and Washington. "With the wet and cool spring we have had it's easy to forget how warm and dry it was last winter. Even though the snow arrived later, the snowpack is melting at a normal rate. Climate outlooks suggest cooler and wetter conditions in some areas through early summer, with a drier than normal pattern setting up for July through September. While the growth of grasses and shrubs translates to lots of fuel for wildfires, the drier summer pattern may reduce lightning strikes," explained Ed Shepard, State Director for Oregon/Washington BLM. "In anticipation of the upcoming 4th of July holiday, BLM rangers are actively patrolling the public lands to ensure that visitors have a safe and enjoyable vacation," said Shepard. "They're prepared to issue citations to those who endanger other visitors and Oregon and Washington's natural resources by lighting fireworks." Those who ignite or operate fireworks on BLM-managed lands can be fined up to $1,000, receive a prison term of up to one year, or both. In addition, individuals responsible for starting wildland fires on federal lands can be billed for the cost of fire suppression. The BLM manages 16 million acres of land in Oregon and Washington. The agency cooperates with the Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordinating Group to fight wildland fires in the Pacific Northwest. Information about the BLM's fire program is available on the Oregon/Washington BLM web site at: blm.gov/or/resources/fire/index.php


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.