Central Oregon Fire Chiefs lift recreational fire restrictions

The Central Oregon Fire Chiefs Association (COFCA) will lift the restrictions only on recreational fires, not debris burning, on Wednesday September 20 th , 2017. The Fire Chiefs from most firefighting agencies including municipal and rural fire departments, the US Forest Service, and the BLM have agreed due to the weather pattern changes, each jurisdiction will allow outdoor recreational fires. On privately owned lands, the Oregon Department of Forestry will only allow recreational fires in designated areas, such as State Parks or with a Fire Department permit. This is due to the consistently cooler nights and reduced fire activity around the Central Oregon region. Officials carefully consider the current fire situation, fuel moisture and predicted weather before making the decision to lift fire restrictions. Local fire officials want to remind residents that even with the change in the weather wildfires are still possible. All recreational fires and campfires should be cold to the touch when not being watched. Outdoor debris burning is still not allowed in any fire districts. “With the ease in fire restrictions, we still ask residents to be patient and vigilant in preventing wildfires,” Chief Roger Johnson explains. “Until Central Oregon sees sustained fall weather, the Central Oregon Fire Chief’s agree that debris burning will remain closed due to the continued fire risk.” Please check your local burn information lines for any changes and residents are also encouraged to contact their local fire protection agencies for specifics or any regulations on the use of chain saws, warming fires, BBQs or ATVs.