Increased Restrictions on Lands Protected by Oregon Department of Forestry

Fire conditions remain extreme across the forests of Northeast Oregon. Current fires across the region have reduced firefighting resources available to respond to new fires. Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) managers have responded by increasing restrictions associated with the current Regulated Closure intended to reduce human caused fires. These restrictions continue the ban on campfires and other types of open burning and additionally ban off-road vehicle travel and chainsaw use on lands protected by ODF’s Northeast Oregon District. Restrictions taking effect Monday, August 13, 2018 at 12:01 a.m. include the following:

 Open fires are prohibited, even at designated campgrounds, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires.

 Non-industrial use of chain saws is prohibited.

 Internal combustion engine use, except for motor vehicles is prohibited.

 Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, or at a cleared area.

 Use of motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), is prohibited except on improved roads, except for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.

 Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is prohibited.

 Mowing of dried and cured grass with power driven equipment is prohibited.

 Use of fireworks is prohibited.

 Any electric fence controller in use shall be: 1) Listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services; and 2) Operated in compliance with manufacturer’s instructions.

Additionally, the use of exploding targets and tracer ammunition are prohibited on lands protected by ODF during fire season. Sky lanterns and other aerial luminaries are illegal to release in Oregon airspace at all times.

Privately owned and federal lands may have additional restrictions in place. Prior to traveling or conducting activities outdoors, check to identify travel restrictions above and beyond Oregon Department of Forestry’s Regulated Closure. More information for fire danger in Northeast Oregon can be found at bmidc.org/restrictions.shtml.

Regionally, conditions are extremely dry and forecasted to remain so for the immediate future. In addition to abnormally dry conditions, high temperatures are also forecasted for the area over the next 30 days.

Contact a local Oregon Department of Forestry office for more complete information on ODF Restrictions:

La Grande Unit
(541)963-3168

Baker City Sub-Unit
(541)523-5831

Wallowa Unit
(541)886-2881

Pendleton Unit
(541)276-3491

http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/ is your spot for current fire information in the Blue Mountains. To report a fire, call Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch at (541) 963-7171 or dial 9-1-1.

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