[Prineville, Ore.] – Regulated Closure restrictions on lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District will be reduced as of 12:01 a.m. on September 12, 2018. These restrictions are intended to limit human caused fires, which represent nearly 60% of the fires in the District this year. Fuel conditions are still very dry for this time of year and have the potential for rapid fire growth as recent fires have exhibited. Cooler temperatures, increased humidity, and shorter days have significant influence on fire behavior and the ability of firefighters to control wildfires. “Our concern now, is that people become complacent and don’t recognize that the fire risk remains just because it feels like fall,” says Kristin Dodd, Unit Forester in The Dalles Unit. “We need everyone to remain vigilant and follow the restrictions.”
The primary change to the Regulated Closure is mowing of dried grass, chainsaw use, and welding/cutting of metal is now restricted between the hours of 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. All of the restrictions can be found at www.odfcentraloregon.com and are listed at the bottom of this news release.
In addition to reducing the Regulated Closure there are some changes and conditions specific to each unit within the Central Oregon District. These details are explained below.
Prineville-Sisters Unit— Fuel conditions in the Unit remain extremely flammable. The additional restrictions in place on industrial operations remain in effect. No open burning is allowed on lands within the Prineville Unit, including burn barrels.
The Dalles Unit— The current burn ban in Wasco and Hood River counties remains in effect. All open burning, including burn barrels is prohibited. Industrial Fire Precaution Levels in MH-1 and MH-4 will be reduced to Level 2 at 12:01 a.m. on September 12, 2018. Information for these restrictions can be found at https://gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions/ifpl.html.
John Day Unit— All open burning, including burn barrels, on lands protected by the John Day Unit is prohibited during Fire Season. Additional restrictions on industrial operations remain in effect.
The weather forecast calls for continued dry conditions with a slight chance of precipitation later this week. Managers will continue to evaluate fire danger and adjust restrictions as conditions allow. If you are unsure of any restriction or have questions please contact your local Oregon Department of Forestry Office. Contact information is available at www.odfcentraloregon.com.
Activities below are restricted by this closure. The full proclamation can be accessed at www.Oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/Pages/Restrictions.aspx
· Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required while traveling in a motorized vehicle, except on federal and state highways, county roads and driveways: one shovel and one gallon of water or one operational 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher, except all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles which must be equipped with an approved spark arrestor in good working condition.
· Smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads.
· Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except in designated areas. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed. Open fires are allowed if conducted in compliance with a valid Burning Permit issued pursuant to ORS 477.515.
· Chainsaw use is prohibited, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Chainsaw use is permitted at all other hours, if the following firefighting equipment is present with each operating saw: one axe, one shovel, and one operational 8 ounce or larger fire extinguisher. In addition, a fire watch is required at least one hour following the use of each saw.
· Mowing of dried grass with power driven equipment is prohibited, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., except for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
· Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is prohibited between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. At all other times the area is to be cleared of flammable vegetation and the following fire equipment is required: one axe, one shovel, and one operational 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher in good working order.
· Use of motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, is prohibited, except on improved roads and except for vehicle use by a landowner and employees of the landowner upon their own land while conducting activities associated with their livelihood.
· Use of fireworks is prohibited.
· Blasting is prohibited.
· Any electric fence controller in use shall be: 1) Listed be a nationally recognized testing laboratory or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services; and 2) Operated in compliance with manufacturer’s instructions.
Aside from these restrictions, also prohibited throughout fire season is backyard debris burning, the use of exploding targets and tracer ammunition.