BLM Urges Recreators to Respect Closures for Public Safety

PORTLAND, Ore . —Fire restrictions remain in effect on all Bureau of Land Management public lands in Oregon and Washington as the region faces a record setting wildfire season. More than 2.5 million acres have already burned across the Northwest. BLM officials are calling on all public land visitors to exercise extreme caution, follow fire restrictions and closures , and help prevent additional wildfires. “More than 99% of BLM land is open to recreation nationwide,” said Kim Prill, BLM Oregon/Washington State Director . “We carefully put restrictions in place when and where necessary to keep the public safe.” This reminder comes as some fire closure areas are shrinking and BLM officials are loosening some restrictions, opening up options for hunters, hikers, and other recreators. The most up to date information about access to BLM land is available online . “Even as some restrictions shift, we’re still in the heart of fire season for the Pacific Northwest,” said Josh O’Connor, Northwest Geographic Area Fire Chief for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service . “Be sure to check fire restrictions in the area you’ll be visiting, and follow them to the letter.” Specific fire restrictions vary by