Fire restrictions stay in place on Oregon and Washington BLM lands

Bend, ORE. (KTVZ) --- Fire restrictions remain in effect on all Bureau of Land Management public lands across Oregon and Washington today, as a record-setting wildfire season continues in the region. More than 2.5 million acres have already burned across the Northwest.

BLM officials are urging all public land visitors to exercise caution, follow local closures and adhere to fire safety guidelines to prevent additional human-caused fires.

Specific fire restrictions vary by location depending on local fire danger, weather conditions and fuel moisture. These regulations govern what types of ammunition visitors can use, whether campfires are permitted and what fire prevention equipment is required on public land.

Land managers establish restrictions and closures only when necessary to safeguard public safety. More than 99% of BLM lands nationwide remain open for recreation.

Kyle Hensley serves as the Prineville District Manager for the BLM. Hensley noted that hunting season is beginning as National Shooting Sports Month ends, creating a overlap with the ongoing wildfire season. “As National Shooting Sports Month draws to a close and we make our way into hunting season, we especially want to thank hunters for being responsible stewards of public lands,” Hensley said. “Hunting season and wildfire season overlap in the Pacific Northwest and we can all work together to keep each other and our shared public lands, safe.”

Jeff Fedrizzi is the Assistant Chief of Operations for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service Pacific Northwest Geographic Area. Fedrizzi emphasized that public cooperation directly assists emergency responders working throughout the region. “Please follow local restrictions to the letter,” Fedrizzi said. “Preventing even one human-caused wildfire makes a difference for our firefighters and our communities.”

Individuals responsible for starting wildfires face significant legal consequences under federal law. Penalties for causing a wildfire can include fines of up to $100,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months and financial liability for the total cost of wildfire suppression efforts.