Northeast Oregon Department of Forestry Lowers Fire Restrictions to Moderate, Fire Season Remains in Effect

As of 12:01 a.m., August 31, 2023, Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has officially reduced fire restrictions in the Northeast Oregon District from high to moderate. This change comes in response to recent favorable weather conditions across our region, including cooler temperatures and increased precipitation. While this adjustment allows for some relief in public use fire restrictions, residents and visitors must remain vigilant and adaptable in the face of evolving fire conditions.

Despite the easing of Public Use fire restrictions, the Fire Season remains in effect for private, state, county, municipal, and tribal lands under the protection of the Oregon Department of Forestry. The following guidelines are now in place:

1. Campfires Allowed with Landowner Permission: Campfires are now permitted with landowner permission. However, ensuring that campfires are always attended to and extinguished adequately before leaving is crucial.
• Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required; shovel or other firefighting tool, minimum of 1-gallon of water, or 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher and a fire watch at least one hour after extinguishing.

PROHIBTED:

2. Debris Burning and Burn Barrels: All open debris burning and burn barrels are prohibited until further notice.
3. Use of exploding targets.
4. Use of tracer ammunition or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base.
5. Use of sky lanterns throughout the year in Oregon.

The Northeast Oregon District encompasses lands in Union, Baker, Umatilla, Wallowa, and small portions of Grant, Morrow, and Malheur counties. It's important to note that fire restrictions may vary on lands protected by rural fire departments or managed by the US Forest Service or BLM (Bureau of Land Management).

More information on fire restrictions can be found on the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center website at www.bmidc.org. For more information on fire prevention restrictions in the Northeast Oregon District, call (541)975-3027.

In a fire emergency, promptly report it to the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center at (541) 963-7171 or dial 9-1-1. Stay informed about current fire-related updates in the Blue Mountains by visiting http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/. 

The Oregon Department of Forestry appreciates the cooperation and vigilance of the public in helping to ensure the safety of our communities during this fire season.

 

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