Fire restrictions went into effect for all Bureau of Land Management public lands throughout Oregon and Washington on May 15th. BLM leaders encourage all visitors to be aware of active restrictions and closures as warmer, drier weather is forecasted around the Pacific Northwest.
These fire restrictions help reduce the risk of human-caused fires. The use of fireworks, exploding targets or metallic targets, steel component ammunition (core or jacket), tracer or incendiary devices, and sky lanterns will be prohibited.
Grasses and other fuels dry out quickly in the summer months, making them highly susceptible to catching fire. It just takes one spark.
Those who violate the prohibition may be fined up to $100,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 12 months. In addition, those found responsible for starting wildland fires on federal lands can be billed for the cost of fire suppression.
For the complete order and more information on seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, please see www.blm.gov/orwafire.
May is also ‘Wildfire Awareness Month’. Visit NIFC.GOV for wildfire prevention tips: https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/fire-prevention-education-mitigation/wildfire-prevention.
To learn more about fire careers with BLM Oregon-Washington, please see https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire/state-info/oregon-washington/careers.
