Due to recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, the Willamette National Forest reduced public use restrictions over much of the forest on Saturday, Sept. 20.
Fire danger lowered to “moderate” and Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) is now at Level 1 on the Willamette National Forest.
Fire restrictions remain in place on all lands within the forest, excluding the Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, Waldo Lake, and Diamond Peak Wilderness areas. Even with the reduced fire risk, it is still important to never leave a campfire unattended and completely extinguish it, so it is cold to the touch.
All campfires, charcoal or briquette fires, pellet fires, or any other open fires remain prohibited outside of campfire rings established by the Forest Service in designated campgrounds under a Forest Order. Portable cooking stoves and lanterns using liquefied or bottled fuel are still allowed as they can be instantly switched off.
Restrictions remain in effect for chainsaws in campgrounds, smoking, and off-highway vehicles. Smoking is not allowed except within an enclosed vehicle or building or a developed recreation site. Additionally, welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame is also not allowed.
Generators are permitted only in areas devoid of vegetation, such as a paved area or developed campsite. Motorized vehicles may operate only on designated trails and roads, including in Huckleberry Flats and Santiam OHV area.
Additional fire information is available on the Willamette National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/fire.
To report a wildfire, call 9-1-1.