As the weather warms up and fire danger increases, the Medford District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has implemented public use restrictions on lands it manages in Southern Oregon.
As of Thursday, certain activities on BLM-managed lands in Josephine and Jackson counties are restricted to prevent human-caused fires and to reduce the overall wildfire potential.
Campfires are only allowed at the Hyatt Lake Campground and the lower section of the Rogue River below the high-water mark. In all other areas, visitors can use portable cooking stoves that utilize liquefied or bottled fuels. Otherwise, campfires or any other type of open fire -- including the use of charcoal briquettes -- is banned until further notice.
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 fireworks, exploding targets or tracer ammunition is prohibited.
Using a chain saw or other equipment with internal combustion engines for any type of operation is prohibited between the hours of 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.. A firewatch of at least one hour is required following the use of a saw. Welding or operating a torch with an open flame is also prohibited between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m..
Visitors to BLM-managed public lands are also required to carry tools with them to ensure small fires can be put out quickly including a shovel, axe, and at least one gallon of water or a 2.5-pound fire extinguisher.
For updated information on public use restrictions, visit "blm.gov/orwafire."
