August 17, 2023 3:40 a.m.

The Umpqua National Forest has increased Public Use Restrictions to Level 3 on all ranger districts across the forest.

A UNF release said all districts remain at a Very High Fire Danger Rating. This past Monday, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level increased to Level 4.

With PUR’s at Level 3:

*All campfires are prohibited, including those in Forest Service constructed fire rings or fireplaces

*Gas stoves are allowed while charcoal grills, pellet grills or any grill that would create hot embers or ash are not permitted

*Smoking is restricted to enclosed vehicles, buildings, designated sites and watercraft

*Operating a combustion engine is not allowed except on a motor vehicle on major roads or parking areas, or on roads designated for open motorized travel based on the Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umpqua/maps-pubs/?cid=fseprd485583