ODF Increases Local Public Use Restrictions from High to Extreme
By Joe Hathaway on Friday, August 4th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE — (Release by Oregon Dept. of Forestry) As we enter the peak of summer, the Oregon Department of Forestry-Northeast Oregon District (ODF) must address the changing weather conditions and their potential impact on fire safety in the region. The recent weather patterns have brought about a significant increase in temperatures and dryness, necessitating the implementation of enhanced public use restrictions on lands protected by ODF. Fire managers’ measurements to estimate seasonal fire severity indicate extreme fire conditions across the region. “This decision is not taken lightly and is based on comprehensive assessments by our experienced fire management teams. These assessments have indicated extreme regional fire conditions, necessitating precautionary measures to prevent potential fire outbreaks,” said Matt Hoehna, Assistant District Forester.
Effective at 12:01 a.m. August 4, 2023, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has added additional restrictions to the Public Use Restrictions for lands within the Northeast Oregon District. This declaration places fire prevention restrictions on landowners and the public. The Regulated Use Closure affects private, state, county, municipal, and tribal lands in seven counties: Union, Baker, Wallowa, Umatilla, and small portions of Malheur, Grant, and Morrow Counties.
The Public Use Restrictions (Regulated Use Closure) Extreme include the following fire prevention measures:
PROHIBITED
· All open debris burning including the use of burn barrels.
· Open fires, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires, and warming fires.
o Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.
o Propane fire pits are allowed if they are self-contained and 3 feet away from any flammable fuels with a maximum flame height of 2 feet.
· Use of fireworks.
· Use of exploding targets.
· Use of tracer ammunition or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base.
· Non-industrial chainsaw use.
o Electric Chainsaws are allowed all day.
· Cutting, grinding, and welding of metal.
· Mowing dried and cured grass with power driven equipment, except for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
o Electric string trimmers are allowed all day.
· Smoking while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, or at a cleared area free of flammable vegetation.
· Any electric fence controller in use shall be: 1) Listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services; and 2) Operated in compliance with manufacturer’s instructions.
· Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required for any vehicle/UTV/ATV traveling on unimproved roadways where flammable vegetation exists on the roadway; shovel or other firefighting tool, minimum of 1-gallon of water, or 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher.
· Use of sky lanterns throughout the year in Oregon.
We kindly request your cooperation and compliance with these restrictions. Additionally, we encourage you to remain vigilant and report any signs of fire or smoke immediately to the appropriate authorities.
These restrictions shall remain in effect until replaced, suspended, or terminated by additional proclamations.
For further information, contact the Oregon Department of Forestry at these local offices:
La Grande Unit (541) 963-3168
Baker City Sub-Unit (541) 523-5831
Wallowa Unit (541) 886-2881
Pendleton Unit (541) 276-3491
Current fire restrictions for forestlands in Northeast Oregon can be found at www.bmidc.org. The Northeast Oregon Fire Prevention line is (541) 975-3027.
http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/ is your spot for current fire information in the Blue Mountains.
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To report a fire, call Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch at (541) 963-7171 or dial 9-1-1.
