PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) — Fire restrictions remain in effect on all Bureau of Land Management public lands in Oregon and Washington as warmer weather drives up wildfire danger across the Pacific Northwest, officials said Monday.
Emergency managers are also turning to ALERTWest, an artificial intelligence-powered camera network that can detect new smoke ignitions in real time. The public-facing cameras scan landscapes and use AI to flag visual anomalies, giving fire crews and the public another way to spot smoke and track changing fire behavior.
“Technology is helping us detect fires sooner than ever before, but preventing human-caused fires still depends on the public,” said Josh O’Connor, Northwest Geographic Area fire chief for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. He urged visitors to follow local restrictions and closures, which can vary by area based on fire danger, weather and fuel moisture.
BLM officials said rules can limit the use of power tools and determine what types of stoves or campfires are allowed, along with required safety equipment. The agency said fireworks and sky lanterns, exploding or metallic targets, tracer or incendiary devices, and steel component ammunition remain prohibited on BLM lands in Oregon and Washington.
“Our communities and public lands are much safer when we work together,” said Kim Prill, BLM Oregon/Washington acting state director. “Please continue to monitor local restrictions and take every precaution to prevent human-caused wildfires as we approach the peak of fire season in the Pacific Northwest.”
Officials warned that those responsible for starting wildfires can face fines of up to $100,000, up to 12 months in prison, and liability for suppression costs.
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