BLM imposes ban on fireworks, exploding targets

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management as of Friday has prohibited the use of fireworks, target shooting with exploding targets, and the firing of a tracer or incendiary device on all BLM-managed public lands throughout Oregon and Washington. The ban will be in effect until Oct. 31.

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the 2019 wildfire outlook for the Pacific Northwest suggests an overall normal year and not as intense as previous ones.

The long-range forecast from NOAA indicates that east of the Cascades in Oregon and much of Washington will have a summer with more moisture than typical. By comparison, areas west of the Cascades will be hotter and drier starting in late June and possibly into September.

Read the full report: National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook

“For many families, the Memorial Day holiday, sets the mark for families and friends to enjoy the outdoors and our public lands. As stewards of more than 16 million acres of land managed by the BLM in Oregon and Washington, the BLM wants to remind everyone to play it safe with campfires and outdoor cooking. Remember sparks fly and even a small breeze can fan the flames. We want to protect our wildlife habitats, watersheds, rangelands, and forests – the lands that work for you,” said Theresa Hanley, state director for BLM Oregon/Washington.

“While lightning can cause wildfires, most wildfires are caused by people, including the use of exploding targets. And with more of us living near areas that border public lands, the risk of fire to homes and communities has increased along with an increased cost to fire suppression,” explained Hanley.

Those who ignite fireworks, exploding targets, or incendiary devices on BLM-managed lands can be fined up to $1,000, receive a prison term of up to one year, or both.

An incendiary device is defined as any firebomb, and any device designed or specially adapted to cause physical harm to persons or property by means of fire, and consisting of an incendiary substance or agency and a means to ignite it.

Examples include but are not limited to a flamethrower, Molotov cocktail, or accelerant. In addition, individuals responsible for starting wildland fires on federal lands can be billed for the cost of fire suppression.

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 located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Diverse activities authorized on these lands generated $96 billion in sales of goods and services throughout the American economy in fiscal year 2017. These activities supported more than 468,000 jobs.