North Zone of Malheur National Forest moves to ‘Phase A’ restrictions
By Logan Bagett on Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
JOHN DAY AND PRAIRIE CITY – (Press Release from the Malheur National Forest)
Due to the warmer temperatures effective Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 12:01am, the Malheur National Forest, north zone (Blue Mountain and Prairie City Ranger Districts) will move to Public Use Restrictions (PUR) Phase A. Both zones will remain in an Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) I and moderate fire danger level.
When fire danger is “Moderate” it means that fires can start from most accidental causes, but number of fire starts are usually low. If a fire does start in an open, dry grassland it will burn and spread quickly on windy days. Most wood fires will spread slowly to moderately. Average fire intensity will be moderate, except in heavy concentrations of fuel, which may burn hot.
Under Phase A 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:
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter and cleared of all flammable material. 36 CFR § 261.52(d).
- Operating a chainsaw between the hours of 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm. 36 CFR § 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.
- 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).
- Possess or use a vehicle off National Forest System roads. 36 CFR § 261.
- Except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway
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.
