PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) implemented fire restrictions on Tuesday for all BLM public lands in Oregon and Washington state.
"Starting May 23, the use of fireworks, exploding targets or metallic targets, steel component ammunition (core or jacket), tracer or incendiary devices, and sky lanterns will be prohibited," BLM said in a Tuesday afternoon news release. "These fire restrictions will help reduce the risk of human-caused fires."
Violators can be fined $1,000 and/or face imprisonment for one year, the release said. Anyone found responsible for starting a wildfire on federal lands can also be forced to pay the costs that come with fire suppression.
"“Although we had a wet winter, we must still be careful with activities that can cause a spark to keep our first responders, local communities, and public lands safe from accidental wildfires,” Anita Bilbao, BLM's Oregon/Washington associate state director said in the release. “We are seeing more invasive grass due to the wet weather, which dries out quickly without rain. Everyone can help by following fire restrictions and practicing fire safety while out on your public lands.”
To learn more about restrictions, visit BLM's website at the link below.
