BLM orders fire restrictions in Eastern Washington

Don’t play with fire! 

Two agencies have issued restrictions on fires as of July 3.

The Bureau of Land Management Spokane District has issued a fire restrictions order on public lands administered by the BLM and the Bureau of Reclamation with which the BLM has an agreement to assist with wildland fire suppression on USBR lands.

And Okanogan County’s burn ban is in effect and will continue to be enforced until official notice is made rescinding it by the county commissioners.

This burn ban is county-wide, affecting all private and county properties in the un-incorporated areas of the county, including DNR assessed properties.

The order took effect on July 3 and applies to all Eastern Washington counties. 

The order prohibits the following on BLM lands: 

Target shooting with the use of exploding targets

Operating any type of motorized vehicle off developed roadways. Parking of vehicles off roadways must be done in an area barren of flammable materials.

Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire, including charcoal briquette fire.  Liquefied and bottled gas stoves and heaters are permitted provided they are used within an area at least 10 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. Bureau of Reclamation lands managed by Washington State Parks will follow Washington State Parks restriction levels

Smoking while traveling in timber, brush or grass areas, except in vehicles on roads, or cleared areas at least 3 feet in diameter, or on boats on rivers and or lakes.

Fire a tracer or incendiary device (including fireworks)

The order also states that “when operating a motorized vehicle on public lands, you must carry a shovel at least 26 inches in length with at least an eight-inch blade, and either a one-gallon container of water or a fully charged 2.5-pound fire extinguisher. All motorcycles and All-Terrain Vehicles must be equipped with a properly functioning U.S. Forest Service approved spark arrestor.”

“Caution is advised at all times when operating motor vehicles on roads or trails with vegetation or high grasses,” a July 1 press release accompanying the order reads. “Due to fire hazard risk the public is asked not to bring fireworks or exploding targets onto public lands at any time.”

“Wildfires caused by recreational target shooting in dry grasses have steadily increased on the Spokane District over the last few years,” the release continues. “The easiest ways to prevent these fires from starting is to ensure your target area (at least 20 feet around the target) is free of dry vegetation, minimize the use of ammunition containing steel and avoid shooting under hot, dry and windy conditions.” 

There are a few BLM sites where having a fire is allowed, but not in the Grand Coulee Dam area.