[PRINEVILLE, Ore.] Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Regulated-Use Closure in the Central Oregon District will be terminated at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday October 14, 2020. Fire managers have determined the recent cooler weather and widespread precipitation across ODF’s Central Oregon District have reduced the risk of rapid fire spread and these prevention measures are no longer necessary. In addition to the removal of the Regulated-Use Closure for the District, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level for MH-1 (East of Hwy 35) will be reduced to Level 1. Fire season remains in effect.
Open burning and debris burning without a permit is prohibited on ODF protected lands during fire season. Additional county or local fire department restrictions may also be in effect. Use of tracer ammunition or exploding targets during fire season is not allowed.
While campfires and warming fires are allowed, the public is reminded to never leave a fire unattended, clear the area around the fire of flammable material prior to lighting and keep the fire small. Having a shovel and water nearby are also safe practices to limit risk of the fire escaping. Be sure your campfire is DEAD OUT! by drowning with water and stirring until there is no heat remaining.
Use caution in all outdoor activities and follow ODF and local restrictions. Current restrictions can be found at www.ODFcentraloregon.com. Failure to follow current restrictions may result in a citation or liability for fire suppression work. Wildfires cause damage to Oregon’s natural resources, including affecting water, soil and air quality and impact local communities. These restrictions affect Central Oregon District protected lands in Crook, Deschutes, Gilliam, Grant, Hood River, Jefferson, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, Wasco, and Wheeler counties.
ODF’s Central Oregon District continues to serve landowners and the public as an essential service for Oregonians. Please call or email to talk with our staff or schedule an appointment. For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including contact information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.
