Public
use restrictions are in effect on the Willamette National Forest,
U.S. Forest Service officials announced last week.
Starting
on Thursday, July 2, the U.S. Forest Service began prohibiting fires
outside of designated fire rings due to increased fire danger levels.
The
rules prohibit the following:
– Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, or campfire, or
stove fire, including a charcoal fire, except in campfire rings at
posted, developed and designated recreation areas (see list below)
and in Wilderness areas.
Portable
cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuel are still permissible
in dispersed areas.
– Using a generator except in designated recreation areas (see list
below).
– Operating a chainsaw.
– Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.
– Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed
recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in
diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
– Using any internal combustion engine except for motor vehicles on
roadways and areas as designated by the Willamette National Forest
Motor Vehicle Use Map and for boat motors on the water.
“The
forest is tinder-dry and there is no rain in sight,” said Sean
Stafford, fire management staff officer for the Willamette National
Forest.
“We
understand it’s an inconvenience but for the safety of the public
and the natural resources, these precautions need to be taken.”
Locally,
campgrounds where it is permissible to have a fire or operate a
generator include Fernview Campground, House Rock Campground, Long
Bow Group Campground, Lost Prairie Campground, Trout Creek Campground
and Yukwah Campground.