July 3, 2024 4:00 a.m.

Effective Thursday, Public Use Restriction Levels will change to HIGH for all private, county, state and Bureau of Indian Affairs lands within the Douglas District, which imposes certain fire restrictions on the public to help prevent wildfires.

A release from the Douglas Forest Protective Association said for the public this means that non-industrial power saw usage, cutting, grinding, or welding of metal, cutting, trimming or mowing of dried cured grass, power-driven machinery for non-industrial improvement or development on private property will only be allowed before 10:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m.

Public Information Officer Rachel Pope said at this time there are no changes to the Industrial Fire Precaution Level. It will remain at IFPL 2 on all lands protected by the DFPA and all forestland within one-eighth of a mile thereof.

Pope said residents are asked to celebrate the fourth of July responsibly and remember that the use of fireworks in wildland areas is illegal during fire season. Those found to be in violation can be cited and held liable for fire suppression costs and associated damages.

Complete fire season information is at www.dfpa.net