C.O. Industrial Fire Precaution level drops Saturday

With the arrival of consistently cooler weather, the Prineville District Bureau of Land Management, the Deschutes and Ochoco national forests and Crooked River National Grassland will lower the Industrial Fire Precaution Level to Level 2.

The change will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Saturday on public lands in Central Oregon. This level will allow certain activities from 8 p.m. to 1 p.m., such as permitted and commercial activities, to operate on public lands.

Under IFPL 2, classified as “Limited Shutdown” or “Partial Hootowl,” a fire watch/security is required. Individuals with a valid firewood cutting permit can operate from 8 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Officials said firewood cutters should ensure spark arrestors are in good working order and follow all fire precaution measures when cutting in dry fuels.

With limited precipitation east of the Cascades, Public Use Restrictions will remain in place. This includes prohibitions on campfires in wilderness areas and outside of designated campgrounds.

In addition to campfire restrictions, smoking is restricted to an enclosed vehicle or building, in a designated campground, in boats on lakes and rivers, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is clear of all flammable material.

Portable cooking stoves, propane campfires or lanterns using liquefied or bottled fuel may be used in all areas.

To keep up-to-date on prescribed fire and wildfire activity, follow www.centraloregonfire.org or on Twitter at @ CentralORFire.