Public land use restrictions reduced across Harney County
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Hines, Ore. – Changing weather conditions and cooler temperatures on the horizon have prompted Burns Interagency Fire Zone officials to reduce local public land use restrictions.
Effective Friday, September 16, on all U.S. Forest Service and BLM-administered public lands in Harney County:
- Campfires are permitted within existing fire rings at these developed campgrounds: Fish Lake, Jackman Park, Chickahominy, Page Springs, South Steens, Buck Springs, Delintment, Emigrant, Falls, Idlewild, Joaquin Miller, Rock Springs, Tip Top, and Yellowjacket.
- Personal chainsaw use is permitted before 1 p.m. and after 8 p.m., but not in between.
- For commercial woodcutters, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level is two.
- Driving or parking off road and/or across vegetation, and the use of fireworks, metal or exploding targets or any other incendiary device remain prohibited.
- Fire Danger is reduced from extreme to high, but conditions are still very dry, and a wildfire could start and spread easily.
“The cooler temperatures definitely help reduce the chance of human-caused fires, but the risk is still there until we get significant moisture, a period of freezing temperatures, or snow,” said BIFZ Fire Management Officer, Kim Valentine.
Did you know abandoned campfires are at the top of the list for human-caused wildfires? Before you leave your camp or warming site, cool your coals! Make sure your fire is dead out and cold to the touch. Be safe, be smart, and always carry a means for suppression should a fire start in your vicinity.
For more information on public use restrictions, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level, or current fire activity, call the Burns Interagency Communication Center at (541) 573-4545.
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.