Industrial fire precaution level lowered on C.O. public lands

With increased moisture and consistently cooler weather, the Prineville District Bureau of Land Management, the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and Crooked River National Grassland have dropped the Industrial Fire Precaution Level to 1.

This change means that there are no longer precautionary restrictions in place for firewood cutting or for permitted and commercial activities on public lands. This change will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday on public lands in Central Oregon.

Under this level, classified as “Closed Season- Fire precaution requirements are in effect,” a fire watch/security is required, as it is at higher levels. Individuals with a valid firewood cutting permit can operate at any time of the day. Firewood cutters are still encouraged to check that spark arrestors are in good working order and all fire precaution measures are taken when cutting in dry fuels.

Officials want to remind the public that using explosive target material, such as Tannerite, explosives, and fireworks continue to be prohibited on all federal lands.

To keep up-to-date on prescribed fire and wildfire activity, following us on Twitter at @CentralORFire.