Emergency closure issued by BLM due to wildfire in Deschutes County

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Bureau of Land Management has issued an emergency temporary closure of select public lands in Deschutes County, Ore., effective immediately. This action comes in response to an active wildfire burning in the area.

The closure aims to reduce conflicts with fire crews, support suppression operations and protect public safety and natural resources.

The temporary closure was implemented to ensure the safety of both the public and firefighting personnel engaged in wildfire suppression. It also serves to protect the natural resources within the affected areas from further damage during the ongoing incident.

The closure specifically applies to several BLM-managed land sections. These include lands lying south and east of the Deschutes National Forest boundary in Township 20 South, Range 15 East and lands southwesterly of Fox Butte Road in Township 20 South, Range 16 East.

Further restricted areas include lands north and east of the Deschutes National Forest boundary in Township 21 South, Range 15 East. Lands westerly of Moffit Road in Township 21 South, Range 16 East are also part of the closure.

Certain individuals are exempt from the closure order. These include federal, state or local officers; organized medical, rescue or firefighting personnel engaged in emergency, fire or law enforcement activities; and public utility employees conducting emergency repairs.

BLM employees, contractors or agents performing official duties are also exempt. Additionally, individuals acting within the scope of their official governmental responsibilities are not subject to the closure. Individuals with valid existing rights of access, such as right-of-way holders, permittees, lease holders or inholding landowners, are also permitted.

Finally, individuals with written authorization from the BLM authorized officer may access the closed areas. All other uses within the specified closure area are prohibited.

Violating the emergency closure can lead to serious legal consequences. These include prosecution before a U.S. magistrate and fines under 18 U.S.C. 3571. Violators may also face imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both fine and imprisonment. Any vehicles found in violation may be removed.

The temporary closure will remain in place until conditions allow for safe public access to the affected lands.