Fire Restrictions On BLM Lands Will Be Enforced This Holiday Week

Fire officials are urging extra caution this 4th of July weekend as wildfire danger remains high across Oregon and Washington. Statewide fire restrictions remain in effect on all Bureau of Land Management lands, with some areas under additional emergency closures. For details, visit BLM's Website.

Officials say anyone responsible for starting a wildfire could face fines of up to $100,000, a year in prison, and be required to pay firefighting costs.

“There are serious consequences for starting a wildfire, including fines and possibly imprisonment, which we hope everyone can avoid through careful choices,” said Josh O’Connor, Northwest Geographic Area Fire Chief for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. “We have already experienced excruciating loss this season. I cannot stress the gravity of the situation enough. Please help protect our firefighters and communities.”

Don't forget, several items are prohibited on all BLM lands in the Northwest:

Fireworks and sky lanterns
Exploding or metallic targets
Tracer or incendiary devices
Steel component ammunition (core or jacket)

“Lighting a firework or leaving a smoldering campfire creates significant wildland fire risk. Under the right conditions, they easily start wildfires,” said Kim Prill, BLM Oregon/Washington Acting State Director. “Don’t risk it. Let’s work together to prevent every wildfire possible.”

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