Restrictions and fire danger ease on Prairie City and Blue Mountain Ranger Districts
By Logan Bagett on Thursday, September 17th, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Eastern/Southeast Oregon Top Stories
JOHN DAY AND PRAIRIE CITY – The Prairie City and Blue Mountain Ranger Districts of the Malheur National Forest have eased restrictions and lowered the fire danger in the North Zone of the forest. Find the forest’s informational release below:
(Press Release from the Malheur National Forest)
With recent precipitation, the forest will move to Seasonal Public Use Restrictions and Industrial Fire Precaution Level I (IFPL I), on the North Zone of the Malheur National Forest (Blue Mountain and Prairie City Ranger Districts) starting 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
The forest will also move to fire danger LOW.
This means:
- Fuels are less likely to catch fire from small sparks.
- Lightning or strong heat sources could still start fires, especially in dry or rotten wood.
- Grass may burn a few hours after rain, but most fires will spread slowly.
The South Zone (Emigrant Creek Ranger District) remains in MODERATE fire danger with Public Use Restrictions (PUR A) and IFPL II.
For details on fire danger levels, public use rules, and industrial precautions, visit the Malheur National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/malheur/fire/prevention or call 541‑575‑3000.
