As per reports, as of Tuesday (10 June), the Central Oregon District is in high fire danger, prompting the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to issue additional fire prevention measures in response to rapidly changing conditions.
Under the new fire restrictions, the following activities will be prohibited or regulated:
• Smoking: Smoking will be prohibited while traveling, except when inside vehicles on improved roads.
• Open Fires: All open fires, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires, and warming fires, are prohibited, except in designated areas. Portable appliances such as camp stoves and fire pits using liquefied or bottled fuels are permitted in cleared areas, provided they are equipped with one shovel and one gallon of water.
• Chainsaw Use: Chainsaw operation will be prohibited between 1300 hours (local time) and 2000 hours (local time). Outside of these hours, chainsaws may be used with firefighting equipment, including one axe, one shovel, and one operational eight-ounce or larger fire extinguisher. A fire watch is also required for at least one hour after using the saw.
• Metal Cutting, Grinding, and Welding: These activities will also be prohibited between 1300 hours (local time) and 2000 hours (local time). At other times, the area must be cleared of flammable vegetation, and firefighting equipment is required.
• Motor Vehicles: The use of motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), will be prohibited, except on improved roads. Landowners and employees conducting activities related to their livelihood may still use vehicles on their own property.
• Grass Mowing: Mowing of dried grass using power-driven equipment will be prohibited from 1300 hours (local time) to 2000 hours (local time), except for those engaged in commercial agricultural activities. Battery-powered string trimmers are exempt from this restriction.
• Fireworks and Blasting: The use of fireworks and blasting activities will be prohibited.
• Electric Fences: Electric fence controllers must meet certain standards and comply with manufacturer’s instructions to minimize fire risk.
