Public Use Restrictions

Public Use Restrictions (PURs) are measures put in place to reduce the risk of a wildfire starting when fire danger is extreme. These restrictions are always carefully considered before being implemented because the intent is not to ruin someone’s vacation, but to improve the safety of our public lands and resources.

Restrictions can affect where you are allowed to smoke, the types of roads you can travel, and where – or even if - you are allowed to have a campfire. 

Information on current restrictions may be obtained by calling the Lakeview Interagency Fire Center at 541-947-6259 or online at: http://www.scofmp.org/lifc.shtml.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What lands are affect by Public Use Restrictions (PURs) in Klamath and Lake counties?

When PURs go into effect, these restrictions apply to lands managed by the Fremont-Winema National Forest, Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Lakeview District and U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Sheldon-Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex and Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

The only Lakeview District BLM-managed lands not included are those within the Klamath Falls Resource Area that are west of the Langell Valley. This area is under the protection of the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). Information regarding restrictions that apply to ODF-protected lands may be obtained by calling (541) 883­­-5681 or visiting the following Web site:

 http://egov.oregon.gov/ODF/FIRE/precautionlevel.shtml

 

What is the primary objective of PURs?

These restrictions are necessary to promote the wellbeing of public land users and reduce the risk of human caused fires.

  

When PURs are in effect, what are the restrictions?

The following restrictions apply:

• Building, maintaining, attending or using campfires or stove fires are allowed only in designated campgrounds/areas. Specific site information may be obtained by contacting your local Forest Service, BLM or USFWS offices.

• Portable cooking stoves utilizing liquefied or bottled fuel sources continue to be allowed on all public lands managed by the Fremont-Winema National Forest, BLM’s Lakeview District and USFWS Sheldon-Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex and Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

• Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle, building, developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is void of all flammable material, including vegetation.

• A motorized vehicle (this includes all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, cars, pickups, etc.) may only be operated on roads where vegetation does not come into contact with the vehicle’s undercarriage.

• Motorized vehicles parked off roadways must be in an area barren of flammable material, including vegetation.

• Internal combustion engines (generators, etc.) not previously addressed may only be operated within designated campgrounds/areas.

• Power saw operations are prohibited.

• No welding equipment may be used, including acetylene or open flame torches.

• All motorized vehicles must carry the following equipment: (1) one shovel not less than 26 inches in overall length, with a blade not less than eight inches wide; (2) one water container of at least one gallon in size filled to capacity or a 2.5 pound fully charged fire extinguisher; and (3) one axe or pulaski with a handle at least 26 inches in length and a head weight of not less than two pounds.

• Spark arresting devices must be properly installed and maintained on all internal combustion engines.

 

Are there any consequences for not complying with these restrictions?

Members of the public are cautioned that failure to comply with these restrictions may result in criminal and/or civil penalties.