PORTLAND, Ore. — As fire risk remains high and the holiday weekend approaches, the public is urged to prevent human-caused wildfires. Recent high temperatures and continued dry conditions increase the potential for fire starts and rapid spread.
“Roughly 85% of wildfires nationwide are caused by human activities,” said Fire Prevention Specialist Adam Johnson, “Those visiting public lands must remain extremely attentive throughout fire season. The widespread heat and prolonged severe drought can cause wildfires to grow very quickly.”
Do your part to protect your communities and public lands by respecting restrictions and closures. The use of fireworks, exploding targets or metallic targets, steel component ammunition (core or jacket), tracer or incendiary devices, and sky lanterns are prohibited.
Additional activities impacted by local restrictions may include:
- The use of campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires
- Smoking in timber, brush, or grass areas
- Driving off-road except for in specific OHV use areas
- Chainsaw use or any operation generating sparks (except by permit)
- Use of combustion engines without a functional spark arrestor
Research local restrictions prior to departure to ensure proper planning. View the OR/WA BLM Administrative Offices map for specific locations. Visit Oregon/Washington Fire Closures & Restrictions for the full orders and additional information. Other federal, state, and local government agencies may have their own restrictions and closures for the lands under their management.
Those who violate the prohibition may be fined up to $100,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 12 months. In addition, those found responsible for starting wildland fires on federal lands can be billed for the cost of fire suppression and resource damages.
-BLM-
The BLM manages about 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.