Klamath-Lake ODF to start regulated use closure

Beginning Wednesday at 12:01 AM, all private, county and state lands protected by the Klamath-Lake District, Oregon Department of Forestry, including BLM lands west of Hwy. 97, as well as Bureau of Land Management lands west of the Gerber Reservoir Area in Klamath County, will be placed under a PUBLIC REGULATED USE CLOSURE.

Local fire danger levels are at “HIGH” as of Monday in Klamath and Lake counties. The increased potential of rapid fire spread and of major fire damage is upon us with the expected summer time dry and windy conditions that contribute to further drying of forest and wildland fuels.

A recent large fire, the “Bryant Fire,” has also prompted fire officials to place Regulated Use Restrictions in effect to help reduce the chance of an accidental fire start.

Under the Public Regulated Use Closure on ODF protected lands:

Smoking in wildland areas is permitted only in enclosed vehicles on roads or inside buildings..
Camping, cooking or warming fires will be prohibited, except in the following designated locations:

* KLAMATH COUNTY: Topsy Campground (BLM), Surveyor Campground (BLM), Collier State Park, Kimball State Park, Hagelstein Park (county) and posted sites in the Klamath River Canyon.

* LAKE COUNTY: Gooselake State Park.

Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are permitted at all other locations.

Off road driving and motorized vehicles on un- improved roads is prohibited.
Use of fireworks is prohibited .

“Fireworks” means any combustible or explosive device or any other article which was prepared for the purpose of providing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration or detonation, including firecrackers, fountains, skyrockets, snakes and sparklers.

Possession of a shovel and a 2lb fire extinguisher or filled gallon water container is required while traveling in a motorized vehicle, except on state and county roads. Debris Burning was banned June 2 nd in Klamath and Lake Counties, when fire season was declared, and remains in effect.

In addition, the following activities will be prohibited between the hours of 1:00 to 8:00 PM:

Non-Industrial Chain saw use. Cutting, grinding and welding of metal on forested lands.

The above regulations expand those already in effect in the Klamath River Canyon since June 2. The “Fire Season in effect” declaration on June 2nd put into place regulations restricting debris burning and timber harvest operations. Wildland and structural fire protection agencies in Klamath County have agreed to prohibit all outdoor debris burning. Forest operations that require a Permit to Operate Power Driven Machinery now are required to have fire tools, on-site water supply, and watchman service on privately owned forest land. Declaring the “Fire Season” also prohibits the release of sky lanterns, the discharge of exploding targets or the discharge of tracer ammunition during this period.

Fire prevention requirements and restrictions for Commercial / Industrial forest operations on lands protected by the Department of Forestry continue to be in place.

For more information, contact the Oregon Department of Forestry at Klamath Falls, 541-883-5681, Lakeview, 541-947-3311.

Walker Range Patrol Association protects lands in northern Klamath and Lake Counties. Contact 541-433-2451 for current WRPA fire restriction information.

Southwest Oregon District of the Oregon Department of Forestry protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties have regulated closure restrictions in effect also. Contact 541-684-3328 for current SWO information.

Fremont – Winema National Forests and Lakeview District BLM – contact 541-883-6715 or 541-947-2151.