Corrected News Release-North End of the Malheur National Forest increases Fire Danger and implements Public Use Restrictions

By Mindy Gould on Friday, July 14th, 2023 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories

John Day, Prairie City and Hines-Effective 12:01 am, Friday, July 14, 2023, the north end of the Malheur National Forest (Blue Mountain and Prairie City Ranger Districts) will move to a Fire Danger Rating level of High and will implement Phase A of Public Use Restrictions. These changes are due to increasing temperatures and drier fuels in the forest. The Emigrant Creek Ranger District will remain at a Fire Danger Rating level of Moderate with no Public Use Restrictions. There are no Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) changes at this time.

Fire Danger Ratings give the public an idea about how easily fires start and spread. 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 and can become serious and difficult to control.

Under Phase A of Public Use Restrictions, the following acts are prohibited on all National Forest System Lands within the Blue Mountain and Prairie City Ranger Districts on the Malheur National Forest, in the state of Oregon:

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).
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 after saw operations cease.
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).
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.

For additional information about the Malheur National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/malheur or call our office at 541-575-3000.