Extreme Fire Danger on Public Lands in Medford District

MEDFORD, Ore. – Due to recent high temperatures and increasing fire danger, Bureau of Land Management Medford District officials are implementing additional public use restrictions on BLM-managed lands in southern Oregon. Starting July 8, 2024, at 12:01 a.m., BLM Medford District is moving to Extreme Fire Danger.

Campfires will no longer be allowed anywhere on District, including Hyatt Lake campground. 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 are 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 is prohibited.
• Welding, or operating a torch with an open flame, is prohibited.

Visitors to BLM-managed public lands are also required to carry tools with them 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 $100,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year.

The safety of the public and all wildland fire responders is always the number one priority for all wildland fire agencies. It is especially important everyone does their part to reduce human caused wildfires. BLM officials are taking the necessary steps to ensure their ability to deploy firefighters for wildfire response. Officials stress their commitment to the most efficient wildland fire suppression.

For updated information on public use restrictions, please visit https://www.blm.gov/orwafire and the Oregon Department of Forestry at https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/Pages/Restrictions.aspx.

Visit https://www.ready.gov/wildfires to learn how you can prepare for fire season.