Fire danger leads to forest restrictions Rules are being tightened on fires, smoking and off-road travel in the Umatilla National Forest.
By ANDY PORTER of the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin
PENDLETON -- As of today, campfires, smoking and off-road travel in the Umatilla National Forest are being restricted due to the rising threat of fire.
"The fire danger is steadily increasing and our forest fuels are ready to burn," said Bill Aney, fire and aviation staff officer. "We need to reduce the threat of human-caused fires by restricting activities that could start fires."
At this time no restrictions are in effect in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest due to the amount of rain received Tuesday across the forest, said Judy Wing, public affairs officer.
Although lightning storms ignite the majority of wildfires, blazes started by people have the potential to cause the most trouble, Aney said in a release.
"Human-caused fires are unpredictable," he said. "They can start anywhere and at any time. Lightning strikes, however, can be detected and mapped, allowing us to dispatch firefighting resources where needed. So far, we've been lucky and not had the lightning activity that other forests are experiencing."
Forest managers are anticipating the need for additional restrictions as early as next week. "It's late July and we're moving into our hottest and driest part of the summer," said Aney. "The fire danger will only increase."
At this time, firewood cutting is still allowed. However, woodcutters are reminded to check daily for a change in restrictions. All forest users should carry an axe, shovel and an fire extinguisher of eight-ounce or more capacity when visiting the forest.
According to the Department of Natural Resources, fire danger remains high throughout Southeastern Washington today and people need to check with the Department of Ecology for restrictions on outdoor residential and agricultural burning.
Fire season is also in effect on all private lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry in Northeast Oregon, Aney said. No public restrictions are in effect at this time except for lands along the Wallowa River from Minam downstream to its confluence with the
Grande Ronde River and then along the Grande Ronde to Wildcat Bridge.
WHAT'S ALLOWED, WHAT ISN'T
Open campfires, including charcoal briquettes, cooking fires and warming fires, are prohibited except in fire pits at designated recreation sites. Pressurized gas barbecue grills, stoves and space-heating devices are allowed.
Smoking is allowed only in enclosed vehicles, buildings, developed recreation sites or when stopped in an area cleared of all flammable material.
Off-road vehicle travel is prohibited except for going to or from campsites located within 300 feet of an open road. Travel is also prohibited on roads where access is blocked by a gate, barricade, log, boulder or earthen berm.
W* * *
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Umatilla National Forest Office, (541) 278-3722. Public-use restrictions will be updated on the toll-free message line at 1-877-958-9663.
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Warren wrote on Jul 24, 2008 9:44 PM:
" In the header it states off road travel in being restricted. but says nothing about the restrictions like, are the 4-wheeler trails open or close because some goes past close gates. "
Warren wrote on Jul 24, 2008 9:44 PM: