July 3, 2019 3:35 a.m.
Increased fire danger on forestlands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District has led to increased fire prevention measures for the public, as well as industrial operations, such as logging sites and commercial operations.
Natalie Weber, Public Information Officer for the Southwest District, said the fire danger level is now high. The restrictions impact 1.8 million acres of land protected by the district. Restrictions on the public use of chain saws, brush cutters, and other power-driven or spark-emitting machinery will be the biggest change, with a mandatory shutdown time between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
New fire prevention measures will also include:
*No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels
*No fireworks on or within 1/8^th of a mile of forestlands
*Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited
*Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations.
*Open fires are prohibited including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires except at locations deemed a designated campground. Portable cooking stoves using liquified or bottled fuels are still allowed.
*Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, will be allowed only on improved roads, free of flammable vegetation. One shovel and one gallon of water, or one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher, is required while traveling.
Other restrictions are in place as well. Go to www.swofire.com for more information on the Southwest District of the Oregon Department of Forestry.