NEWS RELEASE – Extreme Fire Danger

BAKER CITY, Ore. (July 8, 2021) – The Fire Danger Level is now “Extreme” across the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. At midnight tonight, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) is moving to Level 4 as an additional fire-prevention measure. Public Use Restrictions (PURs) remain in Phase B this weekend on the Wallowa-Whitman. However, persistent wildfire risks may require a move to Phase C PURs in the near future.

IFPL 4 requires a general shutdown of chainsaws, power saws, and all heavy equipment operations. IFPLs also applies to fuelwood permit holders for both commercial and personal uses.

• Chainsaw and power saw use is not allowed.
• Tractor, skidder, feller-buncher, forwarder, or shovel logging operations are not allowed, nor are mechanized loading operations, hauling of any product or material, cable yarding, or blasting.
• Welding, metal cutting, or any other activities that can produce or emit a spark are not allowed.

Please be mindful of current Phase B Public Use Restrictions in addition to IFPL 4 restrictions.

• Campfires are not allowed outside of the fire pits provided at developed recreation sites, where all flammable material should be cleared 10 feet from the edge of the pit, and the pit should be free of overhanging material.
• Anyone with a campfire must have a tool that can serve as a shovel and at least one gallon of water. Campfires must be attended at all times and completely extinguished prior to leaving. Remember: “If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.”
• While campfires are still allowed in Wilderness Areas, year-around restrictions in the Eagle Cap Wilderness prohibit campfires within 100 feet of any lakes or posted wetlands. Campfires are also prohibited within ¼ mile (1320 feet) of the lakes listed on the back of Eagle Cap Wilderness permits.
• As a reminder, year-around campfire restrictions also apply to the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area within a ¼ mile of the Wild and Scenic portions of the Snake River, from Hells Canyon Dam downstream to the Oregon-Washington border.
• Public lands in Idaho follow separate Idaho Fire Restrictions.
• Generators are allowed only if fully contained in the bed of a pickup truck or in an area that has been cleared of all flammable material at least 10 feet away. Other internal combustion engines are prohibited, except for motor vehicles.
• Wood stoves and briquette fires are not permitted.
• Motor vehicle travel off developed forest roads and trails is not allowed due to the risk of a vehicle sparking a wildfire in the dry grass and roadside vegetation. Exception: Vehicles may be used to access campsites located within 300 feet of an open developed road. All motorized travel on roads closed by gates, barricades, berms, rocks, or logs is prohibited.
• Fireworks are always prohibited on public lands.
• Phase B PURs prohibit chainsaw use without a permit, and even with a permit, chainsaw use is not currently allowed under IFPL 4.

Remember, “Only you can prevent wildfires!” With tinder-dry forest fuels and high daytime temperatures, conditions are prime for human-caused wildfires. We ask everyone to be extremely careful with campfires. Please be vigilant with other ignition sources too: It just takes one spark from an unsecured chain while towing a trailer, or from a flat tire with an exposed wheel or hubcap.

Separate restrictions may be in effect on State and private lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) in northeast Oregon. For more information, contact your local ODF office or visit the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center website (http://www.bmidc.org).

To learn more, contact your local Forest Service office or visit our website (www.fs.usda.gov/wallowa-whitman).

wildfire notice poster

Campfires will continue to be the centerpiece of family campsites across Northeast Oregon’s three national forests. However, beginning June 1, forest visitors are required to build their campfire in a fire pit surrounded by dirt, rock, or commercial rings, in areas cleared of all flammable material within a three‐foot radius from the edge of the pit and free of overhanging material. A shovel and one gallon of water are required to be in your possession while building and tending campfires. These requirements also apply to the use of charcoal briquettes.

Forest managers understand campfires are an important part of the outdoor camping experience.

“The intent is to allow campfire use while promoting safe campfire building techniques that, in the long run, will protect lives, property, and our natural landscapes,” said Brian Goff, Umatilla Fire Management Officer.

The seasonal regulation does not prohibit the use of campfires, when conditions permit; it only designates proper conditions for safe campfires. The June 1 date for campfire safety regulations in dispersed and developed campsites is meant to encourage campfire safety before fire season comes full‐swing.

“There’s a long history of wildfire in the Blue Mountains and we do not expect that to change. This summer will be particularly challenging,” added Goff. Though lightning is the number one cause of wildfires in this area, human‐caused wildfires are preventable, unpredictable and can occur anywhere with no warning.

“Historically, the public has practiced safe campfire techniques and it is much appreciated,” shared Bret Ruby, Wallowa‐Whitman Fire Management Officer. “However, the potential for large human‐caused wildfires still exists,” added Ruby.

Seasonal campfire regulations are in effect June 1 through October 31, unless more restrictive measures are warranted. During times of high or extreme fire danger, forests will implement additional Public Use Restrictions, also known as PURs, which will further restrict the use of campfires, chainsaws, smoking, and travel. PURs will be implemented in phases, based on increased fire danger, hot and dry weather conditions, and concern for public safety.

“We get very busy at this time of year dealing with the numerous lightning caused fires, so preventing the added workload from human caused wildfires is our ultimate goal,” said Roy Walker, Malheur Fire Management Officer.

Forest officials recommend the following campfire safety precautions:

Find more campfire safety information at http://www.smokeybear.com/campfire‐safety.asp.

Please call the appropriate Forest’s Information Hotline for up‐to‐date restriction information:

Umatilla National Forest Information Hotline: Toll‐Free, (877) 958‐9663

Wallowa‐Whitman National Forest Information Hotlines: Baker City, (541) 523‐1234; La Grande, (541) 962‐8679; Joseph, (541) 426‐5552

Malheur National Forest Information Hotline: John Day, (541) 575‐3000