September 19, 2017
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Roger Johnson
Central Oregon Fire Chief’s Association
Sisters Camp Sherman Fire District
541-549-0771
Central Oregon Fire Chiefs lift recreational fire restrictions
The Central Oregon Fire Chiefs Association (COFCA) will lift the restrictions on recreational fires and campfires on Wednesday September 20th, 2017. The Fire Chiefs from all firefighting agencies including municipal and rural fire departments, the US Forest Service, the BLM and Oregon Department of Forestry have agreed due to the weather pattern changes, each jurisdiction will allow outdoor recreational fires and campfires. This is due to the consistently cooler nights and reduced fire activity around the Central Oregon region.
Officials carefully consider the current fire situation, fuel moisture and predicted weather before making the decision to lift fire restrictions. Local fire officials want to remind residents that even with the change in the weather wildfires are still possible. All recreational fires and campfires should be cold to the touch when not being watched. Outdoor debris burning is still not allowed in any fire districts.
“With the ease in fire restrictions, we still ask residents to be patient and vigilant in preventing wildfires,” Chief Roger Johnson explains. “Until Central Oregon sees sustained fall weather, the Central Oregon Fire Chief’s agree that debris burning will remain closed due to the continued fire risk.”
Residents are also encouraged to contact their local fire protection agencies for specifics or any regulations on the use of chain saws, warming fires, BBQs or ATVs.
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