EDITOR’S NOTE: It was warm today and it’s going to get warmer, along with increased winds – the “perfect storm” for wildfires. Please use some common sense – don’t run power equipment later in the day (if at all) …keep vehicles on pavement, and have a gallon (or more) of water with you. I’ve been in the situation when a fire has seemingly “spontaneously” combusted and was able to put it out because I had the tools to do so. Let’s be wildfire safe Tillamook County.
Starting today Friday August 11th, campfires will be prohibited on all Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands in northwest Oregon due to high fire danger, the bureau announced Thursday.
The ban began today Aug. 11 at 12:01 a.m.
The restriction includes developed campgrounds as well as undeveloped land. BLM officials stated they are activating the restrictions because of forecasted hot and dry weather.
“Doing what we can to prevent human-caused fires is very important, especially as we enter the peak of summer when fires can spread quickly,” said Dennis Teitzel, Northwest Oregon District Manager, in a press release.
The Oregon Department of Forestry will increase IFPL levels on Monday, August 14th effective at 01:00 am. The Public Use Restrictions will remain at High (yellow) for all three zones.
IFPL (Industrial Restrictions)
NW-1: IFPL2
NW-2: IFPL3
NW-3: IFPL3
Regulated Use (Public Use Restrictions)
NW-1: HIGH
NW-2: HIGH
NW-3: HIGH
The BLM says campers can use portable cooking stoves that use liquified or bottled fuels and propane firepits with a shut-off valve.
Otherwise, campfires or any other type of open fire are prohibited.
The following activities are also restricted, says the BLM:
- Smoking is only allowed while in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, or at designated areas.
- Using fireworks, exploding targets or tracer ammunition is prohibited.
- Operating a chainsaw is prohibited.
Visitors to BLM-managed lands are also required to carry with them tools to ensure small fires can be put out quickly. These tools include a shovel, axe, and at least one gallon of water or a 2.5 pound fire extinguisher.
Violation of these restrictions can result in a fine of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year.
