One Spark Can Start a Wildfire
BLM officials are urging visitors to check local fire restrictions before heading onto public lands across Oregon and Washington.
BLM districts across Oregon and Washington may carry different fire restrictions depending on local conditions, making it important for visitors to check the rules for the area they plan to visit before heading out. Current BLM fire restrictions and closures are available at: https://www.blm.gov/programs/fire/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions
MEDFORD, Ore. — One spark can change a summer.
That is the message from Bureau of Land Management officials as fire restrictions remain in effect on BLM public lands across Oregon and Washington, with many local areas also carrying additional rules tied to current fire danger.
For people across Southern Oregon and Northern California, that means a simple weekend plan — camping, target shooting, cutting firewood, using tools, or heading out on public land — may require a closer look before leaving home.
Firefighters work through burned grass and rocky terrain during the 2020 Indian Creek Fire, a reminder of how quickly dry fuels can turn a small spark into a larger fire response. Photo by Larisa Bogardus / BLM.
BLM officials say the goal is not to limit outdoor recreation, but to reduce the risk of human-caused fires before they start.
“Every individual's choices directly impact community safety,” said Kim Prill, BLM Oregon/Washington Acting State Director. “Just one spark can start a wildfire.”
The BLM says visitors should research their destination in advance because fire restrictions can vary by location and jurisdiction. Activities that remain prohibited on BLM public lands include the use of fireworks, exploding targets or metallic targets, steel component ammunition, tracer or incendiary devices, and sky lanterns.
Other local restrictions may address campfires, portable stoves, smoking, power tools, off-road travel, and required fire safety equipment.
“Preventing human caused fires is one of the best ways we can all work together to keep our firefighters and our communities safe,” said Josh O’Connor, Northwest Geographic Area Fire Chief for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service.
An aircraft makes a drop over active flames as crews work to slow a wildfire’s spread, underscoring why fire restrictions are aimed at stopping human-caused fires before they require an air and ground response. Photo by Nick Pieper / BLM.
The reminder comes as fire season conditions continue to build across the Pacific Northwest. Even in places where a campfire or stove may still be allowed, fire officials say visitors should know the current restrictions, have water and tools nearby, and avoid activities that can create sparks during hot, dry, or windy conditions.
BLM officials also encourage residents to use this part of the season to prepare at home.
That includes creating defensible space by clearing flammable material closest to homes and reducing vegetation outward in planned zones. A clean, low-fuel area around a home can help slow fire spread and reduce the danger from wind-blown embers.
Families are also encouraged to assemble a go-bag with essential documents, medications, food, water, and supplies for each household member. Fire officials recommend identifying more than one evacuation route and creating a family communication plan in case cell service or power is disrupted during an emergency.
Current BLM fire restrictions and closures for Oregon and Washington are available at blm.gov/orwafire.
Cover image: A helicopter works through heavy smoke during a Rum Creek helitack operation, showing the difficult and dangerous conditions firefighters face once a wildfire escapes initial control. Photo by Morgan Rubanow / BLM.
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