ODF increasing fire restrictions in Central Oregon

Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District will increase restrictions intended to reduce human-caused fires.

Hot, dry temperatures throughout Central Oregon have dried fuels to record levels, making new fire starts difficult to control. Over the last week, fires across the region have challenged firefighters and strained resources.

“We are looking to reduce the potential of any new fires on the landscape,” explained District Forester Mike Shaw. “We strongly encourage you to follow current fire restrictions and be mindful of all activities in the woods.”

Activities below are restricted by this closure. The increased restrictions limit activities such as mowing, chainsaw use and welding between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. when temperatures are hot and humidity is low. Additional restrictions and the full proclamation can be accessed at www.Oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/Pages/Restrictions.aspx

· Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required while traveling in a motorized vehicle, except on federal and state highways, county roads and driveways: one shovel and one gallon of water or one operational 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher, except all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles which must be equipped with an approved spark arrestor in good working condition.

· Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads.

· Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except in designated areas.

· Chainsaw use is prohibited, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Chainsaw use is permitted at all other hours, if the following firefighting equipment is present with each operating saw: one axe, one shovel, and one operational 8 ounce or larger fire extinguisher. In addition, a fire watch is required at least one hour following the use of each saw.

· Mowing of dried grass with power driven equipment is prohibited, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., except for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.

· Use of motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, is prohibited, except on improved roads and except for vehicle use by a landowner and employees of the landowner upon their own land while conducting activities associated with their livelihood.

· The use of fireworks and blasting is prohibited.

The public is also reminded that the use of tracer ammunition or exploding targets is illegal within the District during fire season. As of January 1, 2017 sky lanterns and other luminaries are prohibited in Oregon.

Year to date for 2017 human caused fires have accounted for thirty-seven of the fifty-six fires in the Central Oregon District. Following Regulated Closure restrictions can reduce ignitions and limit damage to our natural resources including air, water, and soil. For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.