Industrial Fire Precaution Level increases today on Wallowa and Whitman Units

By on Thursday, September 2nd, 2021 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories

BAKER CITY – (Release from Wallowa Whitman National Forest) Effective immediate, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) for Wallowa and Whitman Units have moved up to Level III due to elevated wildfire risk. Fire management officials take the latest data and predictions for wildfire risk into consideration when determining the IFPL.

IFPL III, also known as a Partial Shutdown, affects the activities of loggers, contractors, and firewood cutting permit holders on the National Forest. IFPL III restricts all woodcutting operations, regardless of the device being used to cut wood. This restriction is reflected in the 2021 Fuelwood Guide provided when purchasing a firewood permit.

In addition to IFPL III, the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest remains under Phase B Public Use Restrictions. Campfires are ONLY permitted within fire rings at designated recreation sites (except in the Eagle Cap Wilderness where other specific campfire rules apply – find these on the back of Wilderness permits). With Labor Day weekend approaching, and prime conditions for human-caused wildfires, please be aware of current restrictions and recreate responsibly.

State and private lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) in northeast Oregon follow separate restrictions. For more information, contact your local ODF office or visit the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center website at http://www.bmidc.org.

Learn more about the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and current Public Use Restrictions (www.fs.usda.gov/wallowa-whitman).

CALL 911 TO REPORT A FIRE