Sean C. Morgan
Local forestlands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry South Cascade Forest Protection District went to regulated use on Friday, while fire danger level on those forests and the Willamette National Forest increased to moderate.
The National Forest lands have no public restrictions.
ODF-protected lands have several restrictions. Among them are the following:
n Smoking is prohibited while traveling except in vehicles on improved road, in boats on the water and on sand and gravel bars between the water and high-water marks that are free of vegetation.
n Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except at designated locations. Portable stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.
n Chainsaw use is prohibited between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. During other times, use is permitted if the following equipment is present with each operating saw: One axe, one shovel and one operational 8-ounce or larger fire extinguisher. In addition, a fire watch is required for one hour following the use of each saw.
n Use of motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, is prohibited except on improved roads or for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
n All motor vehicles must be equipped with one gallon of water or one operational 2.5-pound or larger fire extinguisher, one axe and one shovel except when traveling on state and county roads. ATVs and motorcycles must be equipped with one 2.5-pound fire extinguisher except when traveling on state and county roads.
n Use of fireworks is prohibited.
n Cutting, grinding and welding of metal; blasting; and mowing except for agricultural purposes is prohibited between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. During other hours, cutting, grinding and welding is permitted in cleared areas with water present.
n Use of exploding targets is prohibited.