August 11, 2023 3:20 a.m.

Due to high fire danger, campfires are now prohibited on all Bureau of Land Management lands in northwest Oregon.

A BLM release said this restriction includes developed campgrounds. BLM officials are putting these public use restrictions in place due to hot and dry weather that is in the forecast.

Visitors can use portable cooking stoves that use liquified or bottled fuels and propane firepits with a shut off valve. Otherwise, campfires or any other type of open fire, including the use of charcoal briquettes, is prohibited.

Other restrictions include:

*Smoking is only allowed while in vehicles on improved roads, on boats on the water, or at designated areas

*Using fireworks, exploding targets or tracer ammunition is prohibited

*Operating a chainsaw is prohibited

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 a gallon of water or a two and a-half 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 information on fire danger levels in Oregon, go to: https://gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions/PFR.html