May 17, 2021 10:00 a.m.

The Bureau of Land Management is prohibiting the use of fireworks, exploding targets, or metallic targets for target shooting, sky lanterns, and firing tracer or incendiary devices on all BLM managed public lands throughout Oregon and Washington.

BLM Oregon/Washington State Director Berry Bushue said dry conditions have set in the Pacific Northwest and there has been an uptick in fire starts on public and private lands.

A release said those who violate the prohibition can be fined up to $1,000 and/or receive a prison sentence of up to one year. In addition, those found responsible for starting wildland fires on federal lands can be billed for the cost of fire suppression.

The release said according to the current Northwest Coordination Center Seasonal Outlook, drier weather is predicted through July. Drought intensity is increasing across both states, due to lower precipitation rates.