ODF: Fire limits still in place on C.O. state-protected lands

Regulated closure restrictions for lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District remain in effect, officials reminded Friday.

These restrictions are intended to prevent fire starts from human activities. Numerous large fires currently burning in Oregon and adjacent states, continue to strain firefighting resources and initial attack capacity in the region.

There is increased activity in the forests as archery season begins this weekend and many families try to get camping trips in before school starts. Warming fires and campfires are prohibited, except in designated sites. Contact your local ODF office if you are unsure whether campfires are allowed at your campsite.

“While the smoke in the air is a good reminder that we are still in fire season, there were a lot of changes to local restrictions and for ODF’s partner agencies around the eclipse time period,” stated COD Public Information Officer Christie Shaw. “We want to clear up any confusion and remind the public that restrictions for ODF’s Central Oregon District are still in effect and have not changed.”

Fuels are still extremely dry and there is a high risk of rapid fire growth. Cooler weather the last couple days may give a false sense of reduced fire danger, however warmer temperatures and reduced humidity is in the forecast. Significant precipitation is necessary to reduce the current fire danger.

Activities below are restricted by this closure. 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 57% of the 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 .