Fire restrictions will go into effect on May 15 for all Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public lands throughout Oregon and Washington, as the agency works to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires amid forecasts of warmer, drier weather across the Pacific Northwest.

Starting June 1, additional seasonal campfire restrictions will apply to specific BLM-administered lands in central Oregon, including portions of the Crooked, Deschutes, John Day, and White Rivers, as well as Lake Billy Chinook and Lake Simtustus.

“These fire restrictions help reduce the risk of human-caused fires,” said Jeff Fedrizzi, BLM Oregon and Washington State Fire Management Officer. “Grasses and other fuels dry out quickly in the summer months, making them highly susceptible to catching fire. It just takes one spark.”

Under the May 15 restrictions, the following are prohibited on all BLM public lands in Oregon and Washington:

• Fireworks

• Exploding targets or metallic targets

• Steel component ammunition (core or jacket)

• Tracer or incendiary devices

• Sky lanterns

“Our first responders, local communities, and public lands will be safer if everyone follows fire restrictions and practices fire safety while out on public lands,” Fedrizzi said. Violations may result in fines of up to $100,000 and/or up to 12 months imprisonment. Individuals found responsible for starting a wildfire may also be billed for suppression costs.

The June 1 campfire restrictions in central Oregon prohibit:

• Campfires

• Charcoal fires

• Portable propane campfires

• Wood pellet-burning devices

Only commercially manufactured lanterns and metal camp stoves fueled by bottled propane or liquid fuel are allowed, and must be operated responsibly. Smoking is prohibited except inside vehicles or on the water.

“Our number one goal is protecting public and employee safety,” said James Osborne, Fire Management Officer for the BLM Prineville District. “The river canyons present a combination of limited access, grassy fuels that dry out quickly, and steep slopes that allow wildfires to spread rapidly.”

These central Oregon restrictions will remain in place through October 15, and violations are subject to a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 12 months.

For details on fire restrictions and closures:

• Visit www.blm.gov/orwafire or https://centraloregonfire.org/

• Contact the Prineville BLM District Office at (541) 416-6700