Due to increasing temperatures and drier fuels, Burns Interagency Fire Zone (BIFZ) moved from a Fire Danger Rating of low to moderate on Friday, June 2. This includes all of Burns District Bureau of Land Management and Emigrant Creek Ranger District within the Malheur National Forest.

The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) and Public Use Restrictions (PUR) will not be affected at this time.

When the fire danger is “moderate,” it means that fires can start from most accidental causes, but the number of fire starts is usually pretty low. If a fire does start in an open, dry grassland, it will burn and spread quickly on windy days. Most wood fires will spread slowly to moderately. Average fire intensity will be moderate except in heavy concentrations of fuel, which may burn hot. Fires are still not likely to become serious and are often easy to control.

To report wildfires, call the Burns Interageny Fire Zone office at (541) 573-1000.