Regulated-Use Closure terminated on lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry Fire Season still in effect

La Grande, Ore. As of 12:01 am, October 10, 2020, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is terminating the Public Use Restrictions, or Regulated Use Closure for forestlands protected by the Northeast Oregon District.  Due to moderating weather and seasonal temperatures and precipitation, the closure and the associated fire prevention restrictions are no longer necessary.  Campfires fires will be allowed with landowner permission.  Mitch Williams, La Grande Wildland Fire Supervisor, cautions “It’s been a long season.  We’re finally seeing some more seasonable weather conditions and can start to ease restrictions.  We’re not out of the woods yet.  A return to hot and dry weather can quickly dry out light fuels.  We could see more fires this year, but we are at a point where the days are shorter and generally the conditions are less favorable for large fires.”

While Public Use fire restrictions have eased, Fire Season remains in effect for private, state, county, municipal and tribal lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry. 

·           Debris burning is prohibited this season.  This includes ALL burn barrels and debris piles.

·           Campfires must be DEAD OUT!  Recreationists are reminded that campfires need to be attended and fully extinguished before being left.  Get permission from the landowner before starting a campfire. 

·           Logging and other industrial operations must meet requirements for fire prevention, such as fire tools, water supply, and watchman service when those operations are occurring on lands protected by ODF.  Contact your local Stewardship Forester at any ODF office for more information.

The Northeast Oregon District includes lands in the following counties:  Union, Baker, Umatilla, Wallowa and small portions of Grant, Morrow and Malheur counties.

To obtain a burn permit from ODF, call your local ODF office:

La Grande Unit                 (541)963-3168

Baker City Sub-Unit         (541)523-5831

Wallowa Unit                     (541)886-2881

Pendleton Unit                 (541)276-3491

Fire restrictions may differ on lands protected by rural fire departments or lands managed by the US Forest Service or BLM.  Check local regulations before burning.  More information on fire restrictions can be found the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center website at www.bmidc.org/restrictions/

To report a fire, call the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center at (541)963-7171, or dial 9-1-1. 

    

http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/ is your spot for current fire information in the Blue Mountains.