Public use restrictions in effect for BLM lands in Klamath River Canyon

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Klamath River Canyon from Keno Dam to the California State line is now under public use fire restrictions. (Image, BLM)

Klamath River Canyon from Keno Dam to the California State line is now under public use fire restrictions. (Image, BLM)

 
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KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - Warming and drying weather conditions have prompted Bureau of Land Management Lakeview District fire officials to issue a fire prevention order for lands within one-half mile of the Klamath River from Keno Dam downstream to the California state line effective Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at 12:01 a.m.

“With the expected high temperatures this week and next, vegetation in the Klamath River Canyon will dry out quickly and fire danger will increase rapidly,” said Todd Forbes, acting District Manager for Lakeview BLM. “That, combined with limited access and steep terrain, makes firefighting difficult and hazardous. We urge the public to use caution while recreating,p for their safety and ours.”

This action is in conjunction with Oregon Department of Forestry’s regulated use closure of ODF-protected lands within the Klamath River Canyon in an effort to prevent human-caused fires and reduce wildfire potential and will remain in effect until further notice.

Under the order, visitors and other users are prohibited from:

  • Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire, including charcoal briquettes except at designated areas in Topsy Campground, Klamath River Campground and Turtle Camp, which are managed by BLM’s Klamath Falls Resource Area. (Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed).

  • Smoking while traveling in timber, brush or grass areas, except in vehicles on roads while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is clear of all flammable material, including grass and weeds.

  • Operating any type of motorized vehicle except on roadways clear of flammable vegetation. Parking of vehicles off roadways must be in an area clear of flammable material, including grass and weeds.

  • Operating any type of motorized vehicle within the Klamath River Canyon lands of the Klamath Falls Resource Area of Lakeview BLM without the following:

    • One shovel  at least 26 inches long with a blade at least 8 inches wide;

    • At least one full gallon of water or a fully charged, ABC 2.5 pound fire extinguisher; and

    • An axe at least 26 inches long and weighing at least 2 pounds.

  • Operating a chain saw.

  • Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.

The use of incendiaries, such as exploding targets and fireworks, is prohibited on public lands at all times.

Preventing wildfires is everyone’s responsibility. On average, human-caused wildfires make up 87 percent of all wildfire occurrences annually.

Press release provided from the Bureau of Land Management.