Malheur National Forest in Phase A of Public Use Restrictions
By Logan Bagett on Tuesday, September 24th, 2024 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
JOHN DAY, PRAIRIE CITY, & HINES – (Press Release from the Malheur National Forest)
Effective Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 12:01am, Malheur National Forest, Emigrant Creek Ranger District will move to Public Use Restrictions (PURs) Phase A. All Districts on the Malheur National Forest will lower Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) to an IFPL I and Fire Danger Level will remain Moderate.
Under Phase A of Public Use Restrictions, the following acts are prohibited on all National Forest System Lands within the Malheur National Forest, in the state of Oregon:
1) 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).
2) Operating a chainsaw between the hours of 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 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 at the site of any chainsaw operations after saw operations cease.
3) 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).
4) 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.
When fire danger is “Moderate” it means that fires can start from most accidental causes. 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 easy to control.
PURs may differ from Forest to Forest, please check the local fires danger and public use restrictions on the National Forest you are visiting. Remember to recreate responsibly and know before you go.
For further information on the Malheur National Forest, please visit us at www.fs.usda.gov/malheur
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