Bureau of Land Management asks hunters to help prevent wildfires

By Shannon McKone on Friday, July 30th, 2021 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories

VALE – (Release from BLM-Vale District) As antelope season begins, the Bureau of Land Management Vale District would like to remind hunters fire restrictions are in place and offer some wildfire prevention tips.

Fire conditions on BLM lands in Malheur and Baker Counties have been producing historic numbers and fire danger is extreme.

“Please help our firefighters protect our public lands and communities by being prepared and exercising caution,” said Al Crouch, district fire mitigation specialist. “All it takes is one spark to ignite dry grass.”

Fire restrictions are in effect for all public lands protected by the Vale District Bureau of Land Management fire organization, including the Malheur Field Office, Baker Field Office, the 500-acre National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center site, and Bureau of Reclamation lands within Vale District boundaries, which includes the Owyhee Dam area.

These restrictions include:

No campfires or open flames.
No parking or driving over dry vegetation.
No steel core, incendiary, and tracer ammunition.
No using metal targets or rocks for target practice.
No smoking except in closed vehicles.

Hunters can be proactive by:

Ensuring vehicles and trailers are in good operating condition, including checking brakes, tires, bearings, exhaust systems, and safety chains.
Checking campers for gas leaks and electrical issues in addition to axle components and chains.
Ensuring ATVs and side-by-sides have clean undercarriages, properly working spark arrestors, and the required safety equipment.
Carrying the tools necessary for quickly extinguishing an unwanted ignition, such as a fire extinguisher, shovel and water.
Reporting any fires immediately by calling 9-1-1.

“One less spark could mean one less wildfire,” Crouch said. “Travel and shoot safe and enjoy your public lands.”

Copies of these restrictions are available to the public at Vale District offices and posted at campgrounds, developed recreation sites and kiosks throughout the district and atwww.blm.gov/office/vale-district-office. For information about fire restrictions throughout northeast Oregon, go to http://bmidc.org.

For more information about Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, visit https://www.blm.gov/orwafire

-BLM–

This year, we invite everyone to reimagine your public lands as we celebrate 75 years of the BLM’s stewardship and service to the American people. The BLM manages approximately 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.