Nearly 2,000 firefighters are fighting the 640 square mile Bootleg Fire in Klamath and Lake Counties, the nation's largest fire. Umatilla National Forest is closed to all public access because if another fire starts, there are limited resources available to fight it. Natural resource agencies are imploring outdoor recreationalists to follow all fire restrictions. Access to public land during late summer and fall depends on it.
"We need the public's help in preventing wildfires as our resources are stretched very thin," said Todd Forbes, Bureau of Land Management. "All human caused wildfires are preventable if visitors will just follow the fire restrictions that land managers put in place. These simple rules will keep you safe and avoid you being responsible for accidentally starting a wildfire. "
The rules are:
Campfires prohibited on many public lands including all lands east of I-5. That includes
within designated campgrounds.
Only liquid-fueled camp stoves may be used. No charcoal briquettes or other flammable solid materials are allowed.
No smoking except inside an enclosed vehicle.
Off-road driving is also prohibited in most areas, which includes motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles. Driving on vegetation could spark a fire.
Vehicles must have either a gallon of water or a fully charged and operational 2½-pound fire extinguisher and shovel (except when travelling on state highways or county roads).
ATVs must have a charged and operational 2½ pound fire extinguisher.
Additional restrictions as set by landowner.
Please check for fire restrictions before you go. Click to download in high resolution
Know before you go - How to check for access and restrictions Hunters, anglers and other visitors to public lands are responsible for checking on access and restrictions beforehand. Here are some links to help:
https://wildfire.oregon.gov/Pages/Recreation-Impacts.aspx - Interagency status map of recreation sites impacted by current and past fires.
