Stage A- North Malheur Fire Restrictions

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on all National Forest System Lands within the Malheur National Forest. This Order is effective from 12:01 am, July 10, 2026, through October 31, 2026, unless rescinded.

PROHIBITION AREA DESCRIPTION:

These prohibitions apply to Blue Mountain Ranger District and Prairie City Ranger District on the North portion of the Malheur National Forest, [Including the Monument Rock Wilderness area and Strawberry Wilderness area(s)]. The Closure Area is shown on the attached map, Exhibit [AH1] B

PROHIBITIONS enacted by this order:

• Campfires: Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, cook stove; including solid fuel, charcoal briquette, gas/jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel or propane fire is prohibited. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a). 

Exemptions:

• When contained within Forest Service-constructed fire rings in designated recreation sites listed in Exhibit A.
  • When the cook stove, lantern or campfire is fueled solely by gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel or propane with an on/off switch and flammable vegetation is cleared a minimum of 3-feet away from open flame on all sides.

• Smoking: Prohibited. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d).

Exemptions: 

• Except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a recreation site, while stopped in an area at least 3-feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.      

• Internal Combustion Engines: Operating an internal combustion engine is prohibited. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(g). 

Exemptions:

• Operating chainsaws is prohibited between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Chainsaw use is allowed at all other hours. A 1 PM shutdown is required with a 1-hour Fire Watch to follow. The operator is responsible for having a shovel, fire extinguisher, and/ or gallon of water readily accessible at all times.

  • Generators must be equipped with a spark arrestor and used in an area that is cleared at least 10-feet in diameter of all flammable material. 

   

• Welding: Operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame is prohibited. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(h).

• Explosives: Using explosives is prohibited. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(b).

• Use of vehicles off National Forest System roads: Prohibited off National Forest System trails and roads. 36 C.F.R. § 261.56.

Exemptions:

• Parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10-feet of the roadway or minimum travel over bare mineral soil to access dispersed camping. 

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order:

• Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order) specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
• Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.

Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3551, 3571, and 3581.

Executed, this 7th day of July 2026.

_____________________________
Ann Niesen
Forest Supervisor
Malheur National Forest

 

 [AH1]Assuming there is no Exhibit A because this is a template—if this is meant to apply to a specific area, please supply exhibit