Campfires prohibited on Bureau of Land Management lands along southern Oregon Coast, Aug. 3

BLM release – NORTH BEND, Ore. – Campfires and open source flames, such as charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, are prohibited on all Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Coos Bay District lands beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2020. The restrictions apply to all developed and dispersed recreation sites on the 310,000 acres of BLM-managed lands on the southern Oregon Coast. Visitors can use portable cooking stoves that use liquefied or bottled fuels. Dry conditions in conjunction with current and expected weather forecasts have elevated the potential for wildfires to start throughout the area. The restrictions will help reduce the risk of a human-caused fire. In addition to campfires, the following activities are also restricted: Smoking is only allowed while inside a vehicle or while stopped in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is clear of flammable vegetation. Operating a motor vehicle and parking off road (including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles) is only allowed on roadways clear of flammable vegetation. Using fireworks, exploding targets or tracer ammunition is prohibited. Using a chainsaw or other equipment with internal combustion engines for felling, bucking, skidding, wood cutting or any other operation is prohibited. Welding, or operating a torch with an open flame, is prohibited.  Visitors to BLM-managed lands are also required to carry with them tools to ensure small fires can be put out quickly, including a shovel, axe and at least one gallon of water or a 2.5-pound fire extinguisher. Violation of these restrictions can result in a fine up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year. For updated information on public use restrictions, please visit www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions and the Oregon Department of Forestry at www.coosfpa.net.