All of Burns Interagency Fire Zone will be switching to a Fire Danger Rating of Moderate, and Industrial Fire Precaution Level II

HARNEY COUNTY (Released by Burns Interagency Fire Zone)-Effective Thursday 9/19 @ 1201am, All of Burns Interagency Fire Zone will be switching to a Fire Danger Rating of Moderate, and Industrial Fire Precaution Level II. 

At this same time, Burns District Bureau of Land Management, (BLM), will be rescinding the Fire Prevention Orders on BLM lands that went into effect on 7/22/2024. 

At this same time, Emigrant Creek Ranger District, on the Malheur National Forest will be move to Phase B of Public Use Restrictions. 

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 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 B (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. Possess or use 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.

DESIGNATED RECREATION SITES (EXHIBIT B):

EMIGRANT RANGER DISTRICT

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

Industrial Fire Precaution Level IIPartial 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;
• blasting;
• welding or cutting of metal.

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.

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