August 2, 2019 9:30 a.m.
Due to increased fire danger, public use restrictions will go into effect on Saturday across the Umpqua National Forest.
Mark Turney from the Forest Service said dry conditions have elevated fire risk throughout the area. He said the restrictions do not apply to those lands within designated wilderness boundaries.
Under public use restrictions, campfires may be built in Forest Service constructed fire rings in designated recreation sites only. Portable cooking stoves using pressurized liquid gas or propane are permitted in all other areas. The use of generators with an approved spark-arrester screen is allowed in designated campgrounds. Portable heaters using propane are also permitted. People are urged to ensure all campfires are fully extinguished when departing.
Turney said smoking is allowed only in vehicles, designated recreation sites, in areas clear of vegetation measuring at least 3 feet in diameter, or aboard watercraft on waterways.
Riva Duncan, Interagency Fire Staff Officer said “human caused fires are 100% preventable and public use restrictions are put into place to prevent those fires”. She said because forest use is moving into its peak season, the weather is getting hotter and drier and the fire danger indices continue to climb, the restrictions had to be added.
Turney said violation of rules on campfires and closed access for the Umpqua National Forest are punishable by a fine of $5,000 for individuals or $10,000 for organizations, or a 6-month jail term for each offense.
For more information on the restrictions, go to www.fs.usda.gov/umpqua or check the Facebook and Twitter sites for the Umpqua National Forest.