October 2, 2021 7:00 a.m. 

With deer season underway, officials with the Douglas Forest Protective Association are asking all forest users to be cautious in wildland areas as fire season remains in effect.

Kyle Reed of DFPA said it is important to know what fire restrictions are in place before heading to the woods and noted that specific fire restrictions may vary between different agencies and districts.

Reed said on the Douglas District, Public Use Restrictions remain in effect with a fire danger rating of Low. Under DFPA’s Public Use Restrictions, these fire prevention measures remain in effect:

*Smoking is prohibited in wildland areas, except within vehicles or at designated locations

*Vehicles traveling in wildland areas are required to have an axe, shovel, and a 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher or a gallon of water. ATV’s and motorcycles are required to have a 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher. Off road driving is allowed during low fire danger, with landowner permission

*Camp fires, warming fires, and cooking fires are only allowed within DFPA designated campgrounds. Portable cooking stoves using liquified or bottled fuels are allowed elsewhere. A list of DFPA’s designated campgrounds can be found at www.dfpa.net

*Chainsaws must have a shovel and an 8 ounce or larger fire extinguisher. A 1- hour fire watch is required once the saw is done running for the day. There are no shutdown times during low fire danger.

A complete list of DFPA’s Public Use Restrictions can be found at www.dfpa.net or by calling the 24-hour information line at 672-0379.