Burns Interagency Fire Zone increasing fire danger; public use resrictions

By on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories

HARNEY COUNTY(Released by Burns Interagency Fire Zone)-Effective Wednesday, July 3, 2024, Burns Interagency Fire Zone will be increasing to a Fire Danger rating of High across the entire zone.  This includes Burns District Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Emigrant Creek Ranger District within the Malheur National Forest. 

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.

Emigrant Creek Ranger District will also be implementing Phase B of Public Use Restrictions which are listed below: 

PHASE B:

Pursuant to 36 CFR, Sec. 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on all National Forest System Lands within the Emigrant Creek Ranger District of 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 in Exhibit A (below). 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). 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. Possession or use of a vehicle off National Forest System roads.  36 C.F.R. § 261.56. Except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.

*Exhibit A -Designated Campgrounds

EMIGRANT RANGER DISTRICT

  • Buck Spring Campground
  • Delintment Campground
  • Emigrant Campground
  • Falls Campground
  • Idlewild Campground
  • Joaquin Miller Campground
  • Rock Springs Camp 
  • Tip Top Campground
  • Yellowjacket Campground

NOTE:  Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) Remains a I. 

REMINDER: The East Steens Fire Closure is still in effect for Burns District BLM. Fireworks are not allowed on BLM or Forest Service-managed public lands. 

Elkhorn Media Group