Campfires banned on public lands in Sisters

Campfires are now banned across Sisters Country, including in developed campground and wilderness areas.

Due to continued hot weather and extremely dry vegetation, the Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest, and Crooked River moved into Stage 2 public use fire restrictions and Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) III on Monday.

Effective on Monday, July 22, Stage 2 public use fire restrictions prohibit open fires, including wood stoves and charcoal briquette fires on all Central Oregon public lands including developed campgrounds and Wilderness areas.

Additionally, under Stage 2 public use fire restrictions, smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, designated campground, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. Traveling off developed roads and trails also is not allowed, except for the purpose of going to and from a campsite located within 300 feet of the open developed road. It is prohibited to possess or use a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads except when operating in compliance with travel management rules and the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). Generators are only allowed when fully contained in a truck or in an area cleared at least 10 feet in diameter of all flammable material.

Liquid and pressurized gas stoves, lanterns, and fire pits with an on and off switch are allowed. The exception to this is BLM-designated campgrounds along portions of the Crooked, Deschutes, John Day, and White Rivers, as well as on BLM-administered lands along Lake Billy Chinook and Lake Simtustus.

These public use restrictions do not replace the annual river corridor restrictions which were implemented June 1, 2024. These restrictions prohibit campfires, charcoal fires, or any other type of open flame. This includes a ban on the use of portable propane campfires and wood pellet burning devices. Commercially manufactured lanterns and metal camp stoves used for cooking are allowed, when fueled with bottled propane or liquid fuel and operated in a responsible manner.

Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL) are based on current and expected fire conditions. Fire precaution levels begin with Level I at the start of fire season and can increase to Level IV as the fire danger increases. It is the responsibility of the individual operating on public land to know the precaution level for the day and to take the correct fire precautions.

Find more information about the Industrial Fire Precaution Level system here. Information on the IFPL or current restrictions can be obtained by contacting the Central Oregon Fire Use Information Line at 1-800-523-4737.

Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devise or using an explosive is always prohibited on National Forest System lands in Central Oregon and currently prohibited on BLM-administered lands in Central Oregon.