Hot, dry and windy weather, along with the scores of ongoing Pacific Northwest fires, have prompted local agencies to place fire restrictions on popular summer recreation spots as well as bans on open flames and sparks. Smokers must only light up in their cars (extra gross), in approved campgrounds (see below), on lakes and rivers (not on shore), or "while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is clear of all flammable material." Camping cook stoves are still permitted but should be used with extreme caution. Of course, fireworks, old motorcycles without spark-arresting devices, welding torches, bonfires and birthday cakes with candles are also prohibited.
As of Friday, Aug. 2 The Prineville District Bureau of land management, the Deschutes National Forest and the Crooked River National Grassland of the Ochoco National Forest have banned open fires in campgrounds and on other public lands throughout the area.
Here's where fires are still permitted:
Crescent Ranger District: Contorta Flat, Contorta Point, Crescent Lake, Odell Creek, Princess Creek, Simax Beach, Simax Group, Spring, Sunset Cove, Trapper Creek, Whitefish Horse Camp, Windy Group Site, Industrial Mushroom Camp (Little Odell Butte).
Bend-Ft. Rock Ranger District: Crane Prairie, Cultus Lake, Elk Lake, Fall River, Fall River Guard Station, Gull Point, Lava Lake, Little Cultus Lake, Little Fawn, Little Fawn Group, Little Lava Lake, Mallard Marsh, North Twin, Point, Quinn Meadow Horse Camp, Quinn River, Rock Creek, Sheep Bridge, South, South Twin, West South, Big River Group, Bull Bend, Wyeth, Cinder Hill, East Lake, Little Crater, Newberry, Ogden Group, Paulina Lake, Prairie.
Sisters Ranger District: Allen Springs, Allingham, Blue Bay, Camp Sherman, Candle Creek, Cold Spring, Driftwood, Gorge, Graham Corral, Indian Ford, Jack Creek, Link Creek, Lower Bridge, Lower Canyon Creek, Perry South, Pine Rest, Pioneer Ford, Riverside, Scout Lake, Sheep Spring, Smiling River, South Shore, Suttle Lake, Three Creeks Lake, Three Creeks Meadow, Three Creeks Horse Camp, Whispering Pine.
Crooked River National Grassland: Skull Hollow and Haystack Reservoir.
Prineville BLM: Castle Rock, Still Water, Lone Pine, Palisades, Chimney Rock, Cobble Rock, Post Pile, and Poison Butte.
