Due to continued dry vegetation, the Bureau of Land Management officials are extending the annual campfire restrictions on several central Oregon rivers. The restrictions normally lift on October 15 each year; however, firefighters are still working to suppress several large wildfires in central Oregon, and the fuel conditions remain very dry.
The restrictions along portions of the Crooked, Deschutes, John Day and White Rivers, as well as Lake Billy Chinook and Lake Simtustus will be in effect until further notice.
“Usually by this time of year we’ve had significant rain, which allows us to safely lift this restriction,” said Lisa Clark, BLM Deschutes Field Manager. “We’re hoping that soon we’ll get enough rain to allow us to permit campfires again.”
The river canyons present a combination of limited access, grassy fuels that dry out quickly, and steep slopes that allow wildfires to spread rapidly. The number one goal of the BLM is promoting public and employee safety. Reducing the risk of wildfire helps BLM be a good neighbor in the river canyons, while facilitating commercial recreation and multiple-use opportunities.
Under these restrictions, commercially manufactured lanterns and metal camp stoves used for cooking are allowed, when fueled with bottled propane or liquid fuel and operated in a responsible manner. The river fire closures prohibit building, igniting, maintaining, using, and/or actively attending within 20 feet, a campfire, charcoal fire, or any other type of open flame. Due to the rocky cliff walls adjacent to the campgrounds on the Lower Crooked River, campfires will be allowed only at the following posted, developed and designated campgrounds: Castle Rock, Still Water, Lone Pine, Palisades, Chimney Rock, Cobble Rock, Post Pile and Poison Butte.
Find information on fire closures and use restrictions online, here: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions
Despite the rain showers and cooler weather today, debris burning is still closed throughout central Oregon. Central Oregon fire agencies are closely monitoring the weather to determine the best time to open. They need more sustained rain and long term cooler weather to ensure the potential of an escaped burn is greatly reduced.
Before burning always check with your local fire agency for their rules and regulations surrounding debris burning, and warming fires. Debris burning is not allowed within the city limits of Bend as per city ordinance. You can find more information about safe burning practices in the Bend area and a downloadable version of our burn regulations on our website www.bendoregon.gov/burninginfo