BLM begins yearly ban on fireworks, exploding targets
As of Monday, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management has prohibited the use of fireworks and exploding targets on all BLM-managed public lands throughout Oregon and Washington. The ban will be in effect until Oct. 15.
This year’s low snowpack, combined with warmer than normal weather patterns over much of Oregon and lower elevations in eastern Washington may boost the potential for possible wildfires, officials said.
In recent years, the region has had longer fire seasons, officials noted. Fires are burning hotter and longer fueling the costs of fire suppression.
“Summer is the time for families and friends to get outside and enjoy our public lands. Please do so carefully. Help protect our wildlife habitats, watersheds, rangelands, and forests – the lands that work for you,” said Jerry Perez, state director for BLM Oregon/Washington.
Those who ignite fireworks or exploding targets on BLM-managed lands can be fined up to $1,000, receive a prison term of up to one year, or both. In addition, individuals responsible for starting wildland fires on federal lands can be billed for the cost of fire suppression.
“While lightening can cause wildfires, most wildfires are caused by people, including the use of exploding targets,” Perez said. “And with more of us living near areas that border public lands, the risk of fire to homes and communities has increased in recent years.”
The BLM cooperates with the Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordinating Group to fight wildland fires in the region. The Geographic Area Coordination Center offers updates on the fire potential regionally and nationally and the NW Coordination Center provides updates in the Pacific Northwest.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any federal agency. The land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska.
The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s mission is to manage and conserve the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations under our mandate of multiple-use and sustained yield.
