Several abandoned campfires found on C.O. public lands over holiday weekend; one brings out engine crew

(Update: Five abandoned campfires reported over weekend)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) – Forest Service and BLM workers found and dealt with five abandoned campfires over the Memorial Day weekend, including one one on the Ochoco National Forest that was still showing flames and prompted call-out of an engine crew to make sure it was fully out.

“While our field rangers typically carry water to cool abandoned campfires, they had to call in an engine to douse it with water and then (be) sure it was cold to the touch when they left it,” Ochoco National Forest officials said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

Over the weekend, the Ochoco National Forest reported two abandoned campfires, as did the Deschutes National Forest, while there was one reported on the BLM's Prineville District, Forest Service public affairs specialist Jaimie Olle said.

Forest Service officials noted that fire season has officially begun.

“Our firefighters are already starting to pick up lightning-caused starts from recent storms,” the Ochoco National Forest posting said. “Let’s not get complacent just because we have full reservoirs and green grass. Do your part to prevent wildfires and ensure that any campfire you start is ‘dead out’ when you leave it.