Fire Officials Urge Caution During Archery Season
Release Date: Aug 27, 2015
Contacts: Kyle Reed, Douglas Forest Protection Association, (541) 817-7186
Emily Veale, Umpqua National Forest, (541) 670-7248
Archery season opens August 29th and fire officials with the Umpqua National Forest and the Douglas Forest Protective Association are reminding hunters that public use restrictions remain in place to prevent new wildfires.
Even with cooler evenings, a complete ban on campfires will continue on both agencies protected land. Due to the ban, it is recommended that hunters camping in the woods bring night time entertainment or plan on stargazing. In addition to the campfire ban, other things to consider include:
- Think of ways to prepare food for your hunting party without using a campfire or charcoal barbeque. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.
- Pack enough warm clothes for cool mornings and evenings. Hand warmers are always helpful.
- All vehicles, including ATV’s and four wheelers can only travel on designated roads. Even if you have to pack out that large animal, driving off maintained roads is prohibited. In addition, vehicles traveling on forest roads should carry fire tools and water.
- Don’t forget to check tow chains on trailers. One spark from a dragging chain can cause a new wildfire.
- All non-industrial chainsaw use is currently prohibited.
- Know ahead of time where you will be hunting. Many private landowners have closed access to their landholdings due to the extreme fire conditions.
Fire officials also remind the public that emergency area closures remain in place around current large fire incidents for the safety of firefighters and the general public. The current area closures restrict public access around the Cable Crossing Fire, Stouts Creek Fire, National Creek Complex and portions of the Potter Mountain Fire and Bunker Hill Complex. For specific information about the area closures, visit:
Cable Crossing Fire: www.blm.gov/or/districts/roseburg
Stouts Creek Fire (BLM Land): www.blm.gov/or/districts/roseburg
Stouts Creek Fire (USFS Land): www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices
National Creek Complex: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices
Bunker Hill Complex: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices
Potter Mountain Fire: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices
While the weekend weather forecast calls for a chance of showers, forest fuels will continue to be dry and the risk of new wildfires will persist until significant rainfall occurs. Though there are no new fires in Douglas County, that situation could change at a moment’s notice. For more information about fire restrictions or current wildfire activity, visit www.fs.usda.gov/umpqua or www.dfpa.net.