Malheur National Forest South Zone Enters Public Use Restrictions
By Mindy Gould on Wednesday, July 9th, 2025 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
JOHN DAY, PRAIRIE CITY, and HINES (Released from the U.S. Forest Service) — Effective 00:01, Thursday, July 10, 2025, the south end of the Malheur National Forest (Emigrant Creek Ranger District) will implement Phase B of Public Use Restrictions and remain at a Fire Danger Rating level of High. This change is due to increasing temperatures and drier fuels in the forest. The north end of the Malheur National Forest (Blue Mountain and Prairie City Ranger Districts) will remain at a Fire Danger Rating level of High 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 B of Public Use Restrictions, 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, except within a designated recreation site listed in Exhibit B (below). 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 pm to 8:00 pm. 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). 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. Except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.
EXHIBIT B
DESIGNATED RECREATION SITES
EMIGRANT CREEK RANGER DISTRICT
Buck Springs Campground
Delintment Campground
Falls Campground
Idlewild Campground
Joaquin Miller Campground
Rock Springs Camp
Tip Top Campground
For additional information about Fire Danger, Public Use Restrictions, and Industrial Fire Precaution Levels, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/malheur or call our office at 541-575-3000.
