Fire Restrictions Begin on Bureau of Land Management Public Lands

Salem, Oregon- Effective May 24, fire restrictions will be enforced on all Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public lands across Oregon and Washington. As the Pacific Northwest braces for warmer and drier weather conditions, BLM officials emphasize the importance of adhering to these measures to mitigate the risk of human-caused wildfires.

The restrictions, aimed at curbing potential fire hazards, prohibit the use of various fire-prone materials and activities, including fireworks, exploding targets, metallic targets, steel component ammunition, tracer or incendiary devices, and sky lanterns.

Anita Bilbao, Associate State Director of BLM Oregon/Washington, underscored the necessity of caution despite a wet winter, citing the rapid drying out of invasive grasses during the summer months as a significant concern.

“Everyone can contribute to safeguarding our first responders, local communities, and public lands by adhering to fire restrictions and observing fire safety protocols while utilizing public lands,” Bilbao urged.

Violators of the prohibition face substantial penalties, including fines of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment for a maximum of 12 months. Additionally, individuals responsible for igniting wildfires on federal lands may be liable for the expenses incurred during fire suppression efforts.

For comprehensive details regarding the order and additional information on seasonal fire restrictions and closures, individuals are encouraged to visit http://www.blm.gov/orwafire.

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