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Prineville, Ore. — Due to continued dry vegetation, the Bureau of Land Management officials are extending the annual campfire restrictions on several central Oregon rivers. The restrictions normally lift on October 15 each year; however, firefighters are still working to suppress several large wildfires in central Oregon, and the fuel conditions remain very dry.
The restrictions along portions of the Crooked, Deschutes, John Day and White Rivers, as well as Lake Billy Chinook and Lake Simtustus will be in effect until further notice.
“Usually by this time of year we’ve had significant rain, which allows us to safely lift this restriction,” said Lisa Clark, BLM Deschutes Field Manager. “We’re hoping that soon we’ll get enough rain to allow us to permit campfires again.”
The river canyons present a combination of limited access, grassy fuels that dry out quickly, and steep slopes that allow wildfires to spread rapidly. The number one goal of the BLM is promoting public and employee safety. Reducing the risk of wildfire helps BLM be a good neighbor in the river canyons, while facilitating commercial recreation and multiple-use opportunities.
Under these restrictions, commercially manufactured lanterns and metal camp stoves used for cooking are allowed, when fueled with bottled propane or liquid fuel and operated in a responsible manner. The river fire closures prohibit building, igniting, maintaining, using, and/or actively attending within 20 feet, a campfire, charcoal fire, or any other type of open flame. Due to the rocky cliff walls adjacent to the campgrounds on the Lower Crooked River, campfires will be allowed only at the following posted, developed and designated campgrounds: Castle Rock, Still Water, Lone Pine, Palisades, Chimney Rock, Cobble Rock, Post Pile and Poison Butte.
Find information on fire closures and use restrictions online, here: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions
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The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.