The Bureau of Land Management has implemented strict fire restrictions across all of its public lands in Oregon and Washington. This comes as the Independence Day holiday weekend approaches, with national firefighting resources already stretched.

Fire Restrictions

Individuals responsible for starting wildfires face severe penalties, including fines up to $100,000, up to 12 months in prison and liability for all firefighting suppression costs. Visitors to BLM lands should research their destinations in advance, as local restrictions dictate when power tools can be used, what types of stoves or campfires are allowed, and what kind of safety equipment visitors need to have on hand.

Several items are strictly prohibited on all BLM lands in Oregon and Washington, including fireworks, sky lanterns, exploding or metallic targets, tracer or incendiary devices, and steel component ammunition.

Josh O’Connor, Northwest Geographic Area Fire Chief for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, highlighted the dangers and legal ramifications of starting a wildfire. “There are serious consequences for starting a wildfire, including fines and possibly imprisonment, which we hope everyone can avoid through careful choices,” O’Connor said. “We have already experienced excruciating loss this season. I cannot stress the gravity of the situation enough. Please help protect our firefighters and communities.”

Kim Prill, BLM Oregon/Washington Acting State Director, echoed the call for vigilance. “Lighting a firework or leaving a smoldering campfire creates significant wildland fire risk. Under the right conditions, they easily start wildfires,” Prill said. “Don’t risk it. Let’s work together to prevent every wildfire possible.”

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.