July 9, 2021 10:30 a.m.

Staff with the Umpqua National Forest is increasing Public Use Restrictions to Level 2 effective on Saturday.

Steve Beri said the fire danger remains high on all ranger districts across the forest.

Beri said the Pacific Northwest’s fire season has begun. In addition to being engaged on the Jack Fire, other scientific factors such as fuel loads, energy release components and weather conditions have created the conditions for a sustained wildfire season. Deputy Forest Supervisor Jake Winn said the agency is seeing conditions in early July that typically wouldn’t be seen until later in August. Winn said a long fire season is expected.

Campfires are no longer allowed in wilderness areas.