Public Use Restrictions

Annual campfire restrictions will go into effect June 1 on portions of the Deschutes, John Day, White and Crooked Rivers, as well as on BLM-administered lands along Lake Billy Chinook.

Hot temperatures and drying conditions have prompted fire officials for the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and Crooked River National Grassland and the Prineville District Bureau of Land Management to raise the Industrial Fire Precaution Level from I to II.

With continued cool weather along with more precipitation, the Prineville District Bureau of Land Management, the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and Crooked River National Grassland will lower the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) down to Level 1. This change will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, October 6, 2018 on public lands in Central Oregon.

Under IFPL 1, classified as “Closed Season-Fire precaution requirements are in effect” a fire watch/security is required. Individuals with a valid firewood cutting permit can operate any time of day. Firewood cutters should ensure spark arrestors are in good working order and follow all fire precaution measures when cutting in dry fuels.

Officials want to remind the public that using explosive target material, such as Tannerite, explosives, and fireworks continue to be prohibited on all federal lands.

With rain and cooler temperatures over the weekend, the Prineville District Bureau of Land Management, the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and Crooked River National Grassland are dropping Public Use Restrictions.

For the reduction in Public Use Restrictions, open fires, including charcoal fires, will be allowed. Be aware that the seasonal restrictions on BLM-administered lands in the following areas remain in effect until October 15, 2018: