Industrial Fire Precaution Level and Fire Danger on the Rise
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HINES, Ore. - On Thursday, July 6, 2017, the Burns Interagency Fire Zone moved from an Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) one to a level two, partial hoot owl, and fire danger increased to HIGH. These changes affect all public land within the Burns Interagency Fire Zone, including the Emigrant Creek Ranger District of the Malheur National Forest and the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.
IFPL two limits the operation of power saws (except at loading sites), cable yarding, blasting, and welding or cutting metal to only those hours after 8 p.m. and before 1 p.m. local time. All power saw operators must stay in the cutting area for one hour after the chainsaw is shut off to watch for fire starts. Personal and commercial woodcutters are reminded of their responsibility to stay informed of current IFPLs and all restrictions that apply to activities conducted on public lands. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is committed to keeping public landscapes healthy and productive and the IFPL two is intended to help limit human-caused fires during high fire danger.
A regulated fire restriction remains in effect on the east side of Steens Mountain, including the Pueblo Mountains, Alvord Desert, and a portion of the Trout Creek Mountains. Campfires, and parking or driving in areas not clear of vegetation berm to berm, are prohibited. 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 more information on the IFPL, fire danger or public use restrictions, 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.