Forest Officials to ban all campfires on federally managed public lands beginning Friday
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Deschutes National Forest 63095 Deschutes Mkt. Rd., Bend, OR fs.usda.gov/deschutes/
Ochoco National Forest 3160 N.E. 3rd St., Prineville, OR fs.usda.gov/ochoco/
Prineville District BLM 3050 N.E. 3rd St., Prineville, OR blm.gov/office/prineville-district-office
Central Oregon District – ODF odfcentraloregon.blogspot.com/
Central Oregon – Forest officials for the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and Crooked River National Grassland and the Prineville District Bureau of Land Management will implement a complete ban on all campfires and propane fire pits on all federally managed public lands and raise the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) to IV effective Friday, September 11 at 12:01 a.m.
With multiple human caused starts in the past several days while firefighters battle numerous large fires in Oregon, in addition to the EXTREME fire danger in Central Oregon, the decision was made to ban all active flames from campfires and propane fire pits. This is a change from previous Public Use Restrictions where campfires were allowed in designated campgrounds. Camp stoves used specifically for cooking are still allowed on public lands.
An IFPL Level IV or “General Shutdown” means that all industrial operations (thinning and logging) are prohibited. No waivers will be granted for any activity. Personal use firewood cutting remains prohibited under this level.
Fire officials encourage the public to be diligent with all ignition sources on public lands, ensuring all cigarette butts are properly extinguished in an ashtray or dish of water and spark arrestors are in place on all motorized equipment. Additionally, all motorized recreationists should park in areas cleared of vegetation – the undercarriage of a vehicle can be hot enough to start a fire. Also, officials want to remind the public that using explosive target material, such as Tannerite, and the use of explosives and fireworks continues to be prohibited on all federal public lands.
For more information on wildfires in Central Oregon, visit: www.centraloregonfire.org.
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.