Public Use Restrictions Increase on South Coast BLM Lands, Aug. 30

BLM release – NORTH BEND, Ore. – The forecast for warm and dry weather this week has prompted the Coos Bay District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to increase public use restrictions on BLM-managed lands on the southern Oregon coast. Starting Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at 12:01 a.m., where campfires are allowed on BLM-managed lands in Coos, Douglas, and Curry Counties will be further restricted to prevent human-caused fire and reduce wildfire potential. Under the current restriction, campfires are allowed only at the following BLM-managed campgrounds: Edson Creek Campground; Smith River Falls Campground. In all other areas, visitors can use portable cooking stoves that use liquefied or bottled fuels. Otherwise, campfires or any other type of open fire, including the use of charcoal briquettes, is prohibited. Additionally, the following activities continue to be 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.