Public Use Restrictions

How can Public Use Restrictions affect travel?

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On unmaintained dirt roads, often called “two-track” roads, the grass and brush that may grow down the center can dry out and be an extreme fire risk.

Vehicles traveling along these roads can pick up this vegetation under their vehicles where it can quickly ignite.

Travel restrictions limit access to these types of roads. The public will still have access to maintained dirt roads or paved roads, and people will still have access to their private property.

Can I have a campfire?

• Check the map above to see if the place you’re heading allows campfires
• Or call 1-800-523-4737 for more information

If a campfire is allowed where you’re planning to go, remember –

• Campfires should be contained within a campfire ring and the surrounding area should be clear of combustible material at least 15 feet from the campfire ring.
• Always bring a shovel and make sure you have plenty of water on hand to fully extinguish your fire.

Drown. Stir. Feel.

Make sure your campfire is dead out whenever it’s left unattended. Dead out means you can place your hand on top of where the campfire was located, and it is cool to the touch.

Fireworks are always illegal on Forest Service lands in Central Oregon!

Fireworks restrictions vary from city to city throughout central Oregon, but they are ALWAYS illegal on Forest Service lands. Remember: possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device on public lands is against the law.

Do your part to prevent a spark!

• Never park or drive on dry vegetation. On unmaintained dirt roads, often called “two-track” roads, the grass and brush that may grow down the center can dry out and be an extreme fire risk. Vehicles traveling along these roads can pick up this vegetation under their vehicles where it can quickly ignite.
• Secure trailer chains. Loose chains can drag on pavement creating sparks that can ignite vegetation.
• Properly discard smoking materials. Never toss them from a vehicle or on the ground where vegetation can ignite.
• Sparks arrestors are required for OHVs, chainsaws and other motorized equipment.

Central Oregon Fire Information

Visit centraloregonfire.org for information about current fire information, fire restrictions & smoke updates.

Forest Orders

• Pacific Northwest Region Explosives and Exploding Targets Prohibition Order (Effective June 22, 2022, #06-00-00-22-01)
  • Describes the prohibition of fireworks and explosives on National Forest System lands administered by the Pacific Northwest Region.
  • This Order shall become effective for a period of three (3) years from the date signed unless rescinded.
• Camping and Campfire Forest Order (Effective April 6, 2021, Order #06-01-21-01)
  • Describes where camping and campfires are prohibited on the Deschutes National Forest.
  • This Order becomes effective April 6, 2021, and will remain in force until April 5, 2026, or the Order is rescinded.
• Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions (Effective June 16, 2025, #06-01-25-02)
  • These prohibitions apply to all lands throughout the entirety of the Deschutes National Forest, except the Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Thielsen, Mt. Washington, and Diamond Peak Wilderness areas. The Closure Area is shown on the attached map, Exhibit B.
  • This order becomes effective on June 16, 2025, and will remain in effect through November 30, 2025, unless rescinded sooner.
  • Prohibitions:
  • 1.  Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including a  charcoal fire 36 CFR § 261.52(a).
  • 2.  Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed campground, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. 36 CFR § 261.52(d).
  • 3. Using an explosive. 36 CFR § 261.52(b).
  • 4.  Operating equipment powered by an internal combustion engine - specifically chainsaws and portable generators. 36 CFR § 261.52(h).
  • 5. Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame. 36 CFR § 261.52(i).
  • 6. Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System Roads and Trails, except when operating in compliance with travel management regulation depicted on the USFS Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM), pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.13. 36 CFR §261.56.
    Exemptions:
    • Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e), the following are exempt from this order:
      1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-77.00-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.
      2. Any Federal, State or Local Officer or member of an organized firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
      3. Petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices that have an on/off switch, provided that such devices meet the fire underwriter's specifications for safety as indicated by an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or other similar certification.
      4. Campfires contained inside established fire rings within campgrounds listed on Exhibit A.
      5. Chainsaw use is prohibited between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Chainsaw use is allowed at all other hours. Saw operators are required to have a long-handled round point shovel with an 8-inch blade (size O), and a fire extinguisher (minimum ABC 8 oz.) in their possession. A 1-hour fire watch is required after saw operations cease.
      a. When conducting a fire watch, the watchman must be physically capable of remaining on duty for the purposes of extinguishing a potential fire. The watchman must remain at the site for one (1) hour after the shutdown of the last power-driven equipment, while patrolling and visually inspecting all sites where work was performed.
      6. Generators are allowed when fully contained in the bed of a truck or attached/mounted to a vehicle while lifted off of the ground, or in an area of at least 10 feet in diameter and cleared of all flammable material. Generators must also be equipped with an approved spark arrestor.