News Release from Oregon Dept. of Forestry – Posted on FlashAlert: September 2nd, 2015 3:19 PM
While this week’s weather has moderated to cooler than normal temperatures and the feeling of fall is in the air, fire danger is still very real throughout central Oregon. The limited precipitation in the area did little to improve the fuel conditions that have been extreme throughout the summer. The approach of Labor Day and the last camping trips of summer has fire managers concerned the cool weather will give a false sense of security.
The Central Oregon District of the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) remains in a regulated closure, which restricts activities with the potential to ignite fires. Campfires continue to be prohibited on lands protected by ODF, including Oregon State Parks. This campfire ban includes warming fires and cooking fires. Hunters are encouraged to be prepared for theses cooler temperatures as they go to the field so they will not be tempted to build a fire to stay warm.
Open burning such as burn barrels and debris burns within the Central Oregon District require a permit from ODF during fire season. Currently no permits are being issued. Burning without a permit can result in citations or fines.
Additional restrictions are included in the regulated closure which regulate activities such as chainsaw use, cutting of dried grass, and welding. The full closure can be found at this link: oregon.gov/odf/centraloregon/Documents/Fire%20Season/2015_RegulatedUse_Closure.pdf In addition to these restrictions exploding targets, tracer ammunition, and sky lanterns are all prohibited during fire season. Check with other agencies such as Bureau of Land Management, National Forests, county emergency management, or local fire districts to determine their current restrictions when engaging in activities in their jurisdiction.
Requirements for industrial operations, including fire watch and tools, also remain in effect. Fuel conditions are monitored by fire managers to evaluate fire growth potential and to determine restrictions needed to reduce the risk of ignition. Information regarding fire season rules and regulated closure restrictions can be found at the Central Oregon District webpage oregon.gov/ODF/centraloregon. Please contact a local ODF Office if you have questions regarding the regulated use closure or other activities on lands protected by ODF. Human-caused fires are well above the 10-year average this year. Please use caution so your Labor Day activities do not add to this number.
