Vale Bureau of Land Management lifting fire restrictions effective Sept. 21

VALE, Ore. – With recent cooler, wetter weather reducing fire danger levels, Vale Bureau of Land Management is lifting fire restrictions as of 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. A regional Oregon/Washington BLM Fire Prevention Order will remain in effect until October 31.

Campfires will be allowed again, along with cross-country travel in designated areas, on the Malheur and Baker Field Offices, and all Bureau of Reclamation-managed lands under the protection of Vale BLM Fire.

“After the recent rain events, fire danger is now moderate across most BLM lands in Eastern Oregon, however, we are not quite out of the woods yet,” Vale Fire Mitigation Specialist Al Crouch said. “We will dry out again and fire danger levels may rise to high for short periods of time, especially during sunny, warm, and breezy fall days.”

When hunting season and enjoying other fall recreation, he encourages the public to always drown campfires and take extra care to prevent sparks that could cause a wildfire when conditions are warmer and drier.

“It’s always good practice to avoid sparks that start fires by not operating vehicles and other equipment in dry grass, shooting safely when target shooting by avoiding dry grass, knowing before you go and being prepared,” Crouch said.

Being prepared includes carrying a shovel at least 26 inches in length with at least an eight-inch blade, and a one-gallon container of water or a fully charged 2.5-pound fire extinguisher; maintaining engines to prevent sparks from shooting out the exhaust; equipping motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles used on public lands with a properly functioning and approved spark arrestor; and ensuring vehicle and trailer tires are not worn, bearings and axles are greased, and safety chains are properly in place and not dragging on the ground.

To date, the number of human-caused fires on the Vale District is below the 10-year average, proving that fire restrictions, prevention education efforts, and cooperation from the public makes a positive impact.

“Lowering the risk of wildfires is a team effort,” Crouch said. “Thank you for supporting our firefighters and helping to protect our public lands and our local communities.”

The Oregon/Washington BLM Fire Prevention Order prohibits the use of fireworks, tracer, and incendiary ammunition, and exploding or metal targets on public lands. A copy of this order, which will remain in effect through Oct. 31, can be found at https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.

Anyone found guilty of violating a fire prevention order faces significant fines and/or imprisonment plus restitution for total cost of fire suppression and rehabilitation.

Any and all wildfire starts on public or private land should be reported by calling 911.