Firefighters with the BLM, Deschutes National Forest and Oregon Department of Forestry have recently been asked to assist on two wildfires in Central Oregon – the Teller Fire near Madras, which grew to almost 1,000 acres, and a new start today along Hwy 97 north of Bend. Conditions are changing after the first wet weeks of June and fire season is in full swing.
Although these new starts were caught fairly quickly, it’s important to take note and use extra caution when heading out to camp, hike, ride OHVs, or experience any recreation in Central Oregon. With recent high temperatures, the vegetation is drying out. Have a campfire only when it’s allowed and make sure it’s dead out when no one is there to watch it. Avoid parking on dry grass and make sure all burning materials like cigarettes are disposed of properly. You play a valuable role in preventing wildfires! On average, nationally, over 80 percent of wildfires each year are human-caused wildfires and most of these fires can be prevented.
Preventable wildfires threaten lives, property, and precious resources every year. Enjoy getting out for the upcoming holiday weekend, but remember, all fireworks are illegal on National Forest and BLM-managed lands. The Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, the Crooked River National Grassland and lands managed by the Prineville BLM now have public use restrictions. Know before you go which campgrounds allow campfires and plan accordingly. Firefighters are needed more than ever to keep Americans safe, so please, do your part to prevent human-caused wildfires.
For more information about Central Oregon Public Use Restrictions, see the media release: https://www.blm.gov/press-release/central-oregon-national-forests-and-prineville-blm-begin-public-use-restrictions
