Fire Danger Level Raised to Extreme

Due to hot and dry weather conditions and the low amount of live fuel moisture, the Bend Fire Department, in conjunction with Oregon Department of Forestry has increased the level of fire danger to “extreme.” Fire managers in Central Oregon will institute Industrial Fire Precaution Level-II restrictions for the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, Crooked River National Grassland, and Prineville. The regulations affect both commercial and personal use firewood cutters, and industrial operators.

Fires under extreme conditions begin and spread quickly, and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious for a large destructive wildfire to occur.

Fire danger signs within the city limits of Bend and Deschutes County Rural Fire District #2 will reflect this change.

As reminder to citizens, no backyard, commercial or agricultural burning is allowed within city limits of Bend and Deschutes County Rural Fire District #2, and will strictly be enforced. A violation for open burning is punishable by a Class B civil infraction citation, with a base amount of $460 in the city, and a Class A Infraction of $500 in the fire district.

Warming fires, campfires and cooking fires are allowed in the Bend area, when used within the guidelines set forth in the Bend Fire Department Burning Regulations. These are available at any Bend fire station or on the website at www.bendoregon.gov/fire.

As a reminder to all Central Oregon residents, regulations may vary between fire protection jurisdictions. Please contact your local, state or federal fire agency for specific requirements and closures.

Your cooperation during this extremely dangerous fire season is needed and we ask everyone to be very careful, especially now, as conditions are extremely dry.

Industrial Fire Precaution Levels to Increase

IFPL II Begins Sunday at Midnight in Central Oregon

 

Fire managers in Central Oregon instituted Industrial Fire Precaution Level-II restrictions for the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, Crooked River National Grassland, and Prineville District of the Bureau of Land Management at midnight Sunday, July 21, 2013.