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| 7/29/2010 11:46:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article
Comment on this article | ODF issues fire rules on rivers
Wallowa County Chieftain
Open fires and most smoking as well as use of power machinery are now prohibited in the Wallowa and Grande Ronde River Corridor.
The Oregon Department of Forestry issued a heightened regulated-use closure beginning Tuesday, July 27. The regulation affects all forestland protected by the Northeast Oregon District within one-eighth mile of the district boundary. Regulations prohibit smoking while traveling, except in boats on the water or on sand or gravel bars between water and high-water marks free of vegetation, and on improved roads.
Open fires including campfires not in designated areas are prohibited. Designated areas include the following state parks: Emigrant Springs, Ukiah Dale, Catherine Creek, Hilgard Junction, Red Bridge, Wallowa Lake, Minam and Unity Lake. Rangers advise campers to put fires out completely prior to leaving the site. Exceptions include portable cooking stoves that use liquefied or bottled fuels.
The following restrictions apply to use of powered machines: Chainsaw use; metal cutting, grinding and welding; and grass mowing are prohibited between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. The ODF allows the following exceptions: For chainsaw use, include the presence of one axe, one shovel and one eight-ounce or larger fire extinguisher. Metalworking may be done on cleared areas that have a water supply; and grass mowing may be done by commercial agriculture operations.
Use of motor vehicles, including motorcycles and ATVs, is prohibited except on improved roads. Exceptions include agricultural use or as regulated within the Mt. Emily Recreation Area. ATVs and motorcycles must have approved spark arrestors. All motorized vehicle on forestland are required to carry one shovel and one gallon of water, or a two-and-a-half pound or larger fire extinguisher.
Fireworks and blasting are prohibited, but electric fence controllers are allowed if listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services and used according to directions.
Land-use regulations change on federally owned property. For information: (www.fs.fed.us/r6/uma) or 541-886-2881.
To report a fire, call 9-1-1.
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