Northeast Oregon Department of Forestry Fire Season remains in effect, moving from high to moderate fire danger

By on Tuesday, September 17th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

NORTHEAST OREGON – (Release from the Oregon Department of Forestry) As of 12:01 a.m., September 17, 2024, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will drop down to moderate fire danger, due to moderating weather and precipitation. Fire Season remains in effect for private, state, county, municipal, and tribal lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. Burn permits are required for burning debris and barrels. Ensuring campfires are always attended is a good step towards fire safety, as is making sure the fire is dead out before leaving. The Northeast Oregon District includes lands in the following counties: Union, Baker, Umatilla, Wallowa, and small portions of Grant, Morrow, and Malheur counties.

Here is a reminder of the restrictions that will be in place for moderate fire danger:

  • A permit is required for all open debris burning and use of burn barrels, depending on the conditions.
    • Contact your local ODF office as listed below to inquire about a permit.
  • Campfires for recreational and/or cooking purposes are allowed.
    • Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required: a shovel or other firefighting tool, a minimum of 1 gallon of water, or 2 ½ 2-pound or larger fire extinguisher, and a fire watch at least one hour after extinguishing.  
  • PROHIBITED:
  • Use of exploding targets.
  • Use of tracer ammunition or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base.
  • Use of sky lanterns throughout the year in Oregon.

Fire restrictions may differ on lands protected by rural fire departments or lands managed by the US Forest Service or BLM. More information on fire restrictions can be found on the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center website at www.bmidc.org. For more information on fire prevention restrictions in the Northeast Oregon District, call: (541)975-3027. To report a fire, call the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center at (541)963-7171 or dial 9-1-1. 

http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/is your spot for current fire information in the Blue Mountains. 

For further information, call your local ODF offices:

La Grande Unit                                (541)963-3168

Baker City Sub-Unit                       (541)523-5831

Wallowa Unit                                     (541)886-2881

Pendleton Unit                                 (541)276-3491