LA GRANDE, Ore. – As of 12:01 am, September 21, 2021, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has terminated the Regulated-Use Closure, or Public Use Restrictions for forestlands protected by the Northeast Oregon District. Due to moderating weather and precipitation, the closure and the associated fire prevention restrictions are no longer necessary. Mitch Williams, La Grande Wildland Fire Supervisor, cautions “The recent precipitation has been welcoming across the region, however it’s important to stay aware of how quickly conditions can change. A warm or breezy day can dry the lighter fuels out and we can quickly be back into a dangerous fire situation.”
While Public Use fire restrictions have eased, Fire Season remains in effect for private, state, county, municipal and tribal lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry. All open debris burning and burn barrels are prohibited. Campfires fires are now allowed with landowner permission. Making sure that campfires are always attended is a good step towards fire safety. Ensure the fire is dead out before leaving.
The Northeast Oregon District includes lands in the following counties: Union, Baker, Umatilla, Wallowa and small portions of Grant, Morrow and Malheur counties.
Fire restrictions may differ on lands protected by rural fire departments or lands managed by the US Forest Service or BLM. Check local regulations before burning. More information on fire restrictions can be found the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center website at www.bmidc.org.
For more information on fire prevention restrictions in the Northeast Oregon District call: (541)975-3027
To report a fire, call the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center at (541)963-7171, or dial 9-1-1.
http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/ is your spot for current fire information in the Blue Mountains.