July 21, 2026 3:50 a.m. 

Public Use Restrictions Stage 1 and High Fire Danger levels are now in effect for the Umpqua National Forest.

A UNF post said that means for recreators:

*All campfires, charcoal or briquette fires, pellet fires, and any other open fires are prohibited outside Forest-constructed fire rings within designated areas. Campfires fueled by pressurized fuel/propane are allowed. Campfires in the wilderness are not prohibited.

*Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle, building or area cleared of flammable material at least three feet in diameter.

*Internal Combustion Engines – Chainsaws – No chainsaw use is allowed from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a one-hour fire watch requirement at all other times.

*Motorized vehicles may operate only on designated trails and roads. Use of vehicles off National Forest system roads is prohibited except in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of roadway or minimal travel over bare mineral soil to access dispersed camping sites.

*Welding and explosives are prohibited.

Those in the forest should remember that even fires in Forest-constructed fire rings within designated recreation need to be dead out before leaving a campsite. Drown, stir, and feel a campfire with the back of the hand. The fire should feel cold to the touch before leaving the campsite.

More fire information for the UNF is available at: : https://www.fs.usda.gov/…/public-use-restrictions-purs