Fire danger forces restrictions

Extreme fire danger in Central Oregon has prompted fire officials to restrict activities on public lands on the Prineville District Bureau of Land Management, Ochoco and Deschutes National Forests, and Crooked River National Grassland.

Effective July 25, open fires are permitted only in certain designated campgrounds on the Ochoco and Deschutes National Forests and Prineville Bureau of Land Management.

These are improved areas posted for public use. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuel may be used in all areas on both Bureau of Land Management Prineville, and Deschutes and Ochoco National Forest lands.

Users are asked to clear an area 10 feet in diameter for stove use.

These restrictions currently do not apply to local Wilderness Areas.

"We cannot emphasize enough to the recreating public to take extreme care when visiting public lands this time of year," said Dan Torrence, Acting Interagency Fire Management Officer for Central Oregon Fire Management Services.

This includes having awareness of where to park your vehicle (avoid parking where dry vegetation may easily be ignited) and carrying tools in case a fire does start.

Vehicle use will be limited to developed roads that are clear and free of flammable debris and vegetation.

Smoking is restricted to an enclosed vehicle or building, in boats on lakes, designated campgrounds, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is clear of all flammable material.