Do your part-recreate responsibly and help prevent wildfires
By Mindy Gould on Thursday, July 7th, 2022 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Eastern/Southeast Oregon Top Stories
John Day, Hines and Prairie City, Or (Released by US Department of Forest Service)-Summer has arrived on the Malheur National Forest along with the potential risk of forest fires. As the weather continues to get hotter and the fuels continue to dry out, there are a few things that you can do to help reduce the risk of a human caused fire.
Recreation Safety: Before visiting public lands, check the local fire danger level, and what public use restrictions are in effect. If cooking outdoors, use a fuel stove with an on/off switch to prepare hot meals. If campfires are permitted, keep coals inside a designated fire ring. Never leave a fire unattended! To extinguish a campfire, stir water into the ashes and break up any coals with a shovel until the ground feels cold.
Motorized Equipment & Vehicle Safety: If you’re towing equipment or a trailer, make sure tow chains are not dragging where they can strike pavement or rocks, which can cause sparks. If you smoke, find a vegetation-free area or stay inside your car, and never toss lit cigarettes from your vehicle. Park on vegetation-free surfaces, the hot undercarriage of your car can set dry grass on fire. Bring a fire extinguisher or several gallons of water when travelling in remote areas. Before using motorized equipment, such as chainsaws, dirt-bikes or off-road vehicles, where allowed test spark arrestors to ensure they are working. Remember that in an emergency, first responders and their vehicles will need immediate access ,do not block forest roads!
Whether you’re camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, boating, or riding on National Forests this summer, remember that fires can start anywhere, at any time. Make sure you are prepared and have a plan for what to do if disaster strikes.
Current Fire Danger Levels: North Zone of the Malheur National Forest: Blue Mountain Ranger District and Prairie City Ranger District: Moderate. South Zone of the Malheur National Forest: Emigrant Creek Ranger District: High
For more information on the Malheur National Forest, please visit us at www.fs.usda.gov/malheur, follow U.S. Forest Service- Malheur National Forest on Facebook, follow @MalheurNF on Twitter for all the latest forest news, Or call one of our offices at: Supervisors Office/Blue Mountain Ranger District: 541-575-3000 Emigrant Creek Ranger District: 541-573-4300 Prairie City Ranger District: 541-820-3800
