August 14, 2020 3:55 a.m.

Tough weather is ahead for firefighters.

That’s the message from the Douglas Forest Protective Association.

With hot, dry and breezy weather expected through early next week, DFPA Fire Prevention Specialist Kyle Reed said those conditions, combined with already dry forest fuels, could be a recipe for disaster in the event of a new wildfire.

Reed said “The weather that is forecasted for the upcoming weekend is very similar to the weather that was observed during the start of the Stouts Creek Fire in 2015”. Reed said with those conditions, it will only take one spark to start a new wildfire. Reed said that’s why its important for residents to know and follow the Public Use Restrictions that are in effect.

Under DFPA’s Public Use Restrictions with a fire danger rating of “Extreme”, the mowing of dead or dry grass, the cutting, grinding or welding of metal, the use of power saws for non-industrial purposes, and all other power-driven machinery used on private property for non-industrial improvements or developments remains prohibited. Backyard debris burning, including the use of burn barrels also remains prohibited. Additional restrictions remain in place on smoking, campfires, off road driving, electric fence controllers, fireworks, exploding targets, tracer ammunition and sky lanterns. Reed said additional restrictions or closures may be in place through private industrial landowners or public land management agencies, on the land they own and manage.

For a detailed list of public or industrial fire restrictions, go to www.dfpa.net.