[PRINEVILLE, Ore.]  Recent cooler temperatures, increased humidity and precipitation within Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Central Oregon District has reduced fuel hazards and the risk of rapid fire spread.  Lands protected by the Central Oregon District are at a high fire danger.  While the current fall weather trend, combined with shorter days has not eliminated the risk of wildfire the reduced risk allows fire managers to ease restrictions.

The Regulated-Use Closure in effect for public activities within the District will return to a 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. restriction for high risk activities such as mowing dry grass and chainsaw use.  While traveling in forested areas a fire extinguisher/gallon of water and a shovel are required.  Details for the Regulated-Use Closure are available at www.odfcentraloregon.com.  All open burning is prohibited. 

“We ask the public to be patient and continue to follow the restrictions to reduce the risk of fires at this point,” says Gordon Foster, Prineville Unit Forester.

Additional Industrial Precautions in the John Day and Prineville units are terminated as of September 25, 2020.  Fire season requirements remain in place, including the need for a fire watch following industrial activities.  This applies to lands in Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Wheeler, Morrow, Umatilla, Grant, Lake, and Malheur counties protected by the Central Oregon District.  Beginning September 28, 2020 lands in MH-1(Wasco County) will move to Industrial Fire Precaution Level 2 and MH-4 (Hood River County) will move to Industrial Fire Precaution Level 1.

ODF’s Central Oregon District continues to serve landowners and the public as an essential service for Oregonians.  Please call or email to talk with our staff or schedule an appointment.  For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, including contact information and unit offices, please visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.