Portland, Ore. - As we approach Memorial Day, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service want to remind everyone that the use of fireworks and exploding targets is prohibited on all BLM-managed public lands and U.S. National Forests throughout Oregon and Washington.So far this year we've already seen 288 fires that have burned over 1,500 acres. In recent years we've had longer fire seasons and fires are burning hotter and longer fueling the costs of fire suppression.Those who ignite fireworks or exploding targets on BLM-managed lands can be fined up to $1,000, receive a prison term of up to one year, or both. In addition, individuals responsible for starting wildland fires on federal lands can be billed for the cost of fire suppression.The BLM and the U.S. Forest Service cooperates with the Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordinating Group to fight wildland fires in the Pacific Northwest. The Geographic Area Coordination Center offers updates on the fire potential regionally and nationally and the NW Coordination Center provides updates in the Pacific Northwest.To keep up on the latest fire news in the Pacific Northwest be sure to tune in to the weekly Wildland Fire Minute: blm.gov/ksmd
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
