Malheur National Forest South Zone in Extreme Fire Danger and Increases Public Use Restrictions
By Mindy Gould on Monday, July 15th, 2024 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
HINES(Released by the Malheur National Forest)-Effective immediately, the south end of the Malheur National Forest (Emigrant Creek Ranger Districts) will move to a Fire Danger Rating level of Extreme, Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) IV (4) and will implement Phase C of Public Use Restrictions. These changes are due to increasing temperatures and drier fuels in the forest.
Fire Danger Ratings give the public an idea about how easily fires start and spread. When the fire danger is “Extreme“, fires of all types start quickly and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious and can spread very quickly with intense burning. Small fires become big fires much faster than at the ” high” level. Spot fires are probable, with long-distance spotting likely. These fires are very difficult to fight and may become very dangerous and often last for several days.
Under Phase C 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. 36 CFR § 261.52(a). Fire fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels are allowed when flammable vegetation is cleared a minimum 3 feet away from open flame.
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.
6. Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device. 36 CFR § 261.52(f).
7. Using an explosive. 36 CFR § 261.52(b).
Under Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) IV (4), is a general shutdown and all operations are prohibited.
For additional information about Fire Danger, Public Use Restrictions, and Industrial Fire Precaution Levels, visit www.fs.usda.gov/malheur or call our office at 541-575-3000.
