Malheur National Forest moving to Phase B of Public Use Restrictions
By Paul Hall on Friday, June 25th, 2021 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
JOHN DAY, PRAIRIE CITY & HINES, OR- (Press release from the Malheur National Forest)
The North Zone of the Malheur National Forest will move to a High Fire Danger.
As of 0001, Friday June 25, the Malheur National Forest South zone (Emigrant Creek Ranger District) moved to Phase B of Public Use Restrictions (PUR) and Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) II and remain at High Fire Danger.
Beginning at 0001, Monday June 28, the North Zone (Blue Mountain and Prairie City Ranger Districts) will also move to Phase B of Public Use Restrictions and Industrial Fire Precaution Level II. 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.
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.USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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.
Industrial Fire Precaution Level II Definition: Partial Hootowl:
The following may operate only between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. local time:
• Power saws except at loading sites.
• Cable yarding.
• Welding or cutting of metal.
