ODF lifting Central Oregon regulated closure limits
The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District will terminate the Regulated Use Closure in effect for lands within the district at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday. Cooler fall weather combined with precipitation over the weekend has reduced the need for these restrictions, officials said Monday.
However, fire season remains in effect for the district. While the risk of ignitions from certain activities is diminished there is still the potential for fires to start or become out of control based on current fuel conditions. Campfires/warming fires should never be left unattended and should be fully extinguished when you leave.
“We don’t want to see people become complacent just because it is fall,” says Braden Britt, John Day assistant unit forester. “Everyone should continue to be cautious with their actions.”
Year to date, the Central Oregon ODF District has had 74 human-caused fires, up over 20 percent compared to the 10-year average of 61. These fires have burned over 8,000 acres of land.
The information below provides specific restrictions in place within the Central Oregon District.
Prineville-Sisters Unit– No open burning is allowed on lands within the Prineville-Sisters Unit, including burn barrels.
The Dalles Unit– The seasonal burn ban in Wasco and Hood River counties remains in effect. At this time, all open burning, including burn barrels is prohibited. MH-1 and MH-4 are currently at Industrial Fire Precaution Level 1. Information for these restrictions can be found at https://gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions/ifpl.html.
John Day Unit– All open burning, including burn barrels, is not allowed for lands protected by the John Day Unit during Fire Season.
If you are unsure of any restriction or have questions please contact your local Oregon Department of Forestry Office. Contact information is available at www.odfcentraloregon.com.
