The Malheur National Forest To Reduce Public Use Restrictions And Industrial Fire Precaution Levels Across The Forest

JOHN DAY, HINES AND PRAIRIE CITY, OR-

Due to increased moisture
levels, fire managers will reduce Public Use Restrictions to Phase B and Industrial Fire
Precaution Levels to Level II across the Malheur National Forest. The Fire Danger will remain
High on the south zone (Emigrant Creek Ranger District) and be reduced to Moderate on the
north zone (Blue Mountain and Prairie City Ranger Districts). All changes will go into effect on
Wednesday, September 22.

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on all National
Forest System Lands on the Malheur National Forest, in the State of Oregon.

1) Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal briquette or stove
fire, except within a designated recreation site listed here of this Order. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).

2) Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or
while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable
material. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d).

3) Operating a chainsaw between the hours of 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm. 36 C.F.R. §
261.52(h). Saw operators are required to have a shovel (8” wide, 26” length), and fire
extinguisher (minimum ABC 8 oz.) in their possession. A one-hour fire watch is required after
saw operations cease.

4) Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark
arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order in accordance
with U.S. Forest Service Standard 5100-1. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(j). a) Generators are allowed when located in a location cleared of flammable material in an
area at least 10 feet in diameter and approved spark arrestor.

5) Possess or use a vehicle off National Forest System roads. 36 C.F.R. § 261.56. a) Except when
parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.

Industrial Fire Precaution Levels:

Level II Partial Hootowl:

The following may operate only between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. local time:
• Power saws except at loading sites;
• Cable yarding;
• Welding or cutting of metal.

HIGH – When the fire danger is “high”, fires can start easily from most causes and small fuels
(such as grasses and needles) will ignite readily. Unattended campfires and brush fires are likely
to escape. Fires will spread easily, with some areas of high-intensity burning on slopes or
concentrated fuels. Fires can become serious and difficult to control unless they are put out
while they are still small.

MODERATE – When the fire danger is “moderate” it means that fires can start from most
accidental causes, but the number of fire starts is usually pretty low. If a fire does start in an
open, dry grassland, it will burn and spread quickly on windy days. Most wood fires will spread
slowly to moderately. Average fire intensity will be moderate except in heavy concentrations of
fuel, which may burn hot. Fires are still not likely to become serious and are often easier to
control.

For more information about Industrial Fire Precaution Levels and Malheur National Forest
Public Use Restrictions, please call 541-575-3000, or visit our website at
https://www.fs.usda.gov/malheur

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Elkhorn Media Group