Restrictions Eased on ODF Protected Lands
in Central Oregon District
[Prineville,
Ore.] Regulated-Use Closure restrictions within Oregon
Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Central Oregon District will ease beginning at
12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, September 22, 2021.
There will be no change to the activities restricted, including all prohibiting
open fires (campfires, warming fires, and cooking fires). The primary change to the Closure is
restriction of activities such as mowing of dried grass and chainsaw use
between the hours of 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Details for
all activities impacted by Fire Season and the Regulated-Use
Closure are available at www.odfcentraloregon.com.
“We recognize that recent moisture and cooler
temperatures has reduced fire danger across the District, however warmer than
average temperatures are forecast for the next week or more with no expected precipitation,”
explains Mike Shaw, District Forester. “We
want to make sure that our restrictions are focused on the timing and
activities we believe have a strong potential to ignite fires.”
The lack of precipitation, combined with drought
conditions and extremely dry fuels continues to keep the risk of wildfire ignition
elevated even as we transition to fall. Shorter
days and increased humidity can give a false sense of reduced fire risk during
these transition seasons. Weather
patterns in the fall can change rapidly with increased winds and warm afternoons
after a cooler morning. Following the Regulated-Use
Closure restrictions limits potential fire ignitions from sparks or embers.
Fire Season remains in
effect, debris burning, including burn barrels, are not allowed at this time. Additionally,
many counties and local fire departments have burn bans in effect.
Failure to follow current restrictions may result in a
citation or liability for fire suppression work. Wildfires cause damage to Oregon’s natural
resources, including affecting water, soil and air quality and impact local
communities. These restrictions affect
Central Oregon District protected lands in Crook, Deschutes, Gilliam, Grant,
Hood River, Jefferson, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, Wasco, and Wheeler
counties.
For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon
District, including contact information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.