Archers urged beware of fire dangers, note new regulations

Close to 90 percent of the nearly 600 fires started on ODF protected lands in 2016 are attributed to people. That compares to the 10-year average of about 65 percent. The trepidation with the hunting community is with campfires, smoking and off road vehicle use, all of which are either prohibited or restricted to certain areas. Hunters are encouraged to check fire restrictions before heading out by calling the local ODF, Bureau of Land Management or U.S. Forest Service office. They can also go to www.oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/Pages/Restrictions.aspx to access an interactive fire restrictions map. (Note that only the Public Fire Restrictions apply to hunters.)

Click any area on the map to see a list of fire restrictions in areas protected by ODF. Click within public lands areas to find the land manager and contact info.

Hunters should always check the What’s New section at the front of the annual Big Game Regulations to learn about changes from the previous year. Wildland fire professionals work hard to raise awareness as outdoor enthusiasts head to the forests to enjoy what nature has to offer. With hunting season looming, Fields said the message remains clear: “Be part of the solution, not the problem.”

Keep Oregon Green Association (KOG) has been partnering with state and federal wildland fire agencies for the last 75 years to increase awareness of Oregon’s wildfire risk and to educate the public in the prevention of human-caused wildfires.

“Besides the fact that we have had more than 50 illegal or unattended campfires lead to wildfires this summer, patrolling fire crews have extinguished nearly 100 campfires that were not completely put out before people left,” said KOG Executive Director Kristin Babbs. “It only takes one of these careless acts to lead to the destruction of our forests. Our plea to the hunters and public in general is to be vigilant and have fire prevention front and center in their minds when enjoying what our state has to offer.”

Follow fire restrictions, know before you go

As hunters prepare for the 2016 season, the Oregon Department of Forestry, ODFW and its partners ask that hunters take extra caution to keep fires from occurring. Know about restrictions before you go afield and follow them. Below are some of the most common restrictions:

• Campfires are either prohibited or only allowed in approved campgrounds in many areas.

• Smoking and off road driving is also prohibited in most areas, which includes motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles.

• Vehicles must have either a gallon of water or a fully charged and operational 2.5-pound fire extinguisher and shovel (except when travelling on state highways or county roads).

• ATVs must have a charged and operational 2½ pound fire extinguisher.

Private timberland: For a list of corporate closures on private timberland, visit ODF’s web site at www.oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/Pages/Restrictions.aspx. The chart also contains phone numbers to get the latest information from timberland owners.