September 21, 2020 4:30 a.m.

A combination of recent rainfall, cooler temperatures and more favorable fire conditions have allowed the Douglas Forest Protective Association to lower fire restrictions that are in place for both the general public and industrial operators.

All DFPA lands have moved to a fire danger rating of moderate and Industrial Fire Precaution Level 2.

Kyle Reed of DFPA said for the general public, a moderate fire danger rating changes the shutdown times for several activities in DFPA’s Public Use Restrictions. These activities are now prohibited between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.:

*The cutting, trimming or mowing of dead grass. This restriction does not apply to the mowing of green grass or for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.

*The cutting, grinding or welding of metal for non-industrial purposes.

*The use of power saws for non-industrial purposes.

*Any non-industrial improvement or development taking place on private property that utilizes power driven machinery not specifically mentioned in the Public Use Restrictions.

Reed said all other restrictions listed in DFPA’s Public Use Restrictions remain in effect and are unchanged. Backyard debris burning remains prohibited. A detailed list of the restrictions can be found at www.dfpa.net.

For industrial operators and other forest workers who are operating on forestlands, IFPL2 prohibits a number of activities between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.:

*The use of power saws, except at loading sites

*Feller-bunchers with rotary head saws

*Cable Yarding

*Blasting

*Cutting, grinding or welding of metal

In addition, a fire watch of at least two hours is required during IFPL2, once work has been completed for the day.

For more information about public or industrial fire restrictions, go to www.dfpa.net.