October 1, 2022 6:30 a.m. 

Staff with the Douglas Forest Protective Association are reminding hunters that fire season continues.

Public Information Officer Rachel Pope said the big opening weekend for deer tags is here and the weather is warming up. Pope said conditions look ideal for everyone that is heading out and setting up camp.

Public Use Restrictions are in place for the lands protected by DFPA and all forestland within one-eighth of a mile.

Pope said hunters should remember that open fires are prohibited, including camp fires, charcoal fires, cooking fires, and warming fires except at designated sites.

Portable cooking stoves using liquified and bottled fuels are allowed. The use of portable appliances such as camp stoves and fire pits using liquified or bottled fuels are allowed in clear areas free of flammable vegetation.

Pope said where open fires and appliances are allowed the following are required:

*1 shovel and 1 gallon of water or one 2.5-pound fire extinguisher

*Motor vehicles including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles are allowed only on improved roads free of flammable vegetation, except for the cultivation and harvest of agricultural crops.

Forest and private land access may be subject to closures.

For complete information on Public Use Restrictions in the Douglas District, go to: www.dfpa.net