Due to recent high temperatures and increasing fire danger, the Medford District of the Bureau of Land Management has implemented more public use restrictions on lands it manages in Southern Oregon. Local fire danger has moved to "extreme."
Campfires are no longer allowed anywhere on the local district including Hyatt Lake Campground. Visitors can use portable cooking stoves that use liquefied or bottled fuels. Otherwise, campfires or any other type of open flame -- including the use of charcoal briquettes -- is prohibited.
Smoking is only allowed while inside a vehicle or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is clear of flammable vegetation. Operating a motor vehicle and parking off-road is only allowed on roadways clear of flammable vegetation. Using a chainsaw is prohibited as is welding or operating a torch with an open flame.
Visitors to BLM-managed public lands are required to carry tools with them to ensure small fires can be put out quickly. Violation of these restrictions can result in a fine of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment of one year.
The BLM, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and Oregon Department of Forestry have also banned all campfire use on lands located within the boundaries of the Wild and Scenic Section of the Rogue River that flows from Grave Creek to the mouth of Watson Creek.
Additional fire restrictions will be put in place as the season progresses. They will remain in effect through November 30th unless conditions allow them to be rescinded sooner.
