Malheur National Forest moving to IFPL III; South Zone to Extreme Fire Danger
By Logan Bagett on Wednesday, July 7th, 2021 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
JOHN DAY, PRAIRIE CITY, HINES, OR – (Press Release from the Malheur National Forest)
Starting 0001, July 8, the Malheur National Forest will move to Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) III.
Starting at 0001, July 8, the Malheur National Forest South Zone (Emigrant Creek Ranger District) will be moving to Phase C of Public Use Restrictions and Extreme Fire Danger Rating.
The North Zone (Blue Mountain and Prairie City Ranger Districts) remain at Phase B of Public Use Restrictions and High Fire Danger Rating.
Phase C Public Use Restrictions (PUR):
Pursuant to 36 CFR, Sec. 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on all National Forest System Lands within the Malheur National Forest, in the State of Oregon.
1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal briquette or stove fire. 36 CFR § 261.52(a).
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building. 36 CFR § 261.52(d).
3. Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine. 36 CFR § 261.52(h). a. Generators are allowed when located in a location cleared of flammable material in a 10’ diameter and approved spark arrestor.
4. 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 CFR § 261.52(j).
5. Possess or use a vehicle off National Forest System roads. 36 CFR § 261.56 a. Except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.
Phase B Public Use Restrictions (PUR):
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited in all National Forest System Lands within the Emigrant Creek Ranger District, in the Malheur National Forest, in the State of Oregon. Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited in all National Forest System Lands within the Emigrant Creek Ranger District, in the Malheur National Forest, in the State of Oregon.
1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal briquette or stove fire, except within a designated recreation site listed in Exhibit A (below) of this Order.36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).
2. 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).
3. 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.
4. 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). a. Generators are allowed when located in a location cleared of flammable material in an area at least 10 feet in diameter and approved spark arrestor.
5. Possess or use a vehicle off National Forest System roads. 36 C.F.R. § 261.56 a. Except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.
Level III Partial Shutdown:
The following are prohibited except as indicated:
• Cable yarding – except that gravity operated logging systems employing nonmotorized carriages or approved motorized carriages may operate between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. when all block and moving lines, except for the line between the carriage and the chokers, are suspended ten feet above the ground.
• Power saws – except power saws may be used at loading sites and on tractor/skidder operations between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. local time. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
For current Phases of Public Use Restrictions, Fire Danger Levels, Industrial Fire Precaution Levels and up to information please visit our public website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/fire/?cid=fsbdev3_033802 or call 541-575-3113.
Facebook @MalheurNationalForest, Twitter @MalheurNF
For more information please call: 541-575-3000.
