Hot, dry weather prompts further campfire restrictions on Coos Bay District

NORTH BEND, Ore. — Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Coos Bay District officials are further limiting where campfires are allowed on BLM-managed lands in southwest Oregon as the weather stays dry and the number of wildfires increases across the region.

Starting on August 21, 2023, at 12:01 a.m., campfires are only allowed at Loon Lake Campground. Visitors can use portable cooking stoves that use liquified or bottled fuels. Otherwise, campfires or any other type of open fire, including the use of charcoal briquettes, is prohibited.

“We appreciate visitors’ attention to these restrictions. The fire danger is high enough that we need to do all that we can to prevent human caused fires on our public lands,” said Steve Lydick, Coos Bay District Manager.

In addition to campfires, the following activities continue to be restricted:

• Smoking is only allowed while in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water, or at designated areas.
• Operating a motor vehicle and parking off road (including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles) is only allowed on improved roads and trail systems free of flammable vegetation. Motorcycle riding on the Blue Ridge Trail System is only allowed on the improved roads.
• Using fireworks, exploding targets or tracer ammunition is prohibited.
• Chainsaw use is allowed between 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. Each saw being used must have one shovel and one fire extinguisher of at least 8-ounce capacity.

Visitors to BLM-managed lands are also required to carry with them tools to ensure small fires can be put out quickly. These tools include a shovel, axe, and at least one gallon of water or a 2.5-pound fire extinguisher.

Violation of these restrictions can result in a fine up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year.

For updated information on public use restrictions, visit www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions and the Oregon Department of Forestry at www.coosfpa.net.