Malheur National Forest North Zone moves to MODERATE Fire Danger
By Logan Bagett on Thursday, June 29th, 2023 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
JOHN DAY, PRAIRIE CITY & HINES – (Press Release from the Malheur National Forest)
Effective Friday, June 30, 2023, the Blue Mountain and Prairie City Ranger Districts of the Malheur National Forest will be moving to a Fire Danger Rating level of Moderate. This is a due to increasing temperatures and drier fuels in the forest. The Emigrant Creek Ranger District will remain at a Fire Danger Rating level of Moderate. There will be no Public Use Restrictions or Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) changes at this time.
Fire Danger Ratings give the public an idea about how easily fires start and spread. When the fire danger is “Moderate”, fires can start from most accidental causes. If a fire does start in an open, dry grassland, it will burn and spread quickly.
Fire managers consider several factors when elevating Fire Danger Rating levels. Levels are calculated by monitoring weather conditions and measuring the moisture in grass, woody material, and other combustible material. Data from weather stations located across the forest is considered.
As we head into the warmer summer months, the public is urged to use caution when recreating outdoors. “Campfire safety is at the utmost importance for public safety and protecting our natural resources,” said Malheur National Forest Fire Staff Officer Ron Simpson. “Campfires should be kept small and must be fully extinguished prior to leaving your campsite,” he said. Forest officials would also like to remind the public that fireworks are prohibited on all national forest lands.
For current information on Fire Danger Rating levels and Public Use Restrictions, follow the Malheur National Forest on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.fs.usda.gov/malheur, or call our office at 541-575-3000.
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