Hines, Ore. - With cooler temperatures and moisture in the forecast, officials from the Burns Interagency Fire Zone have lifted public use restrictions on Bureau of Land Management-administered lands in Harney County.
Effective today, October 9, campfires outside established campgrounds are allowed in areas clear of flammable vegetation. Escaped hunting/warming fires are a regular cause of small wildfires each year. Don’t be fooled by overnight low temperatures and a bit of rain: a small start could easily turn into something much bigger right up until the snow flies. Never abandon your campfire or leave it unattended until it is completely extinguished and cold to the touch.
Personal chainsaw use is also now permitted at anytime, and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level is reduced to one. All saw operators must stay in the cutting area for one hour after the chainsaw is shut-off to watch for fire starts.
The removal of public use restrictions absolutely does not eliminate the potential for wildfire. Though moderate, fire danger does still exist and all public land users are encouraged to take extreme care when recreating outdoors this fall.
The ignition, possession, or use of fireworks, exploding targets, metal targets, and firing tracer or incendiary devices on public land remains prohibited.
For more information on fire restrictions, the IFPL or current fire activity, call (541) 573-4545.
To report a wildfire, call (541 ) 573-1000.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
