In light of high wildfire danger, the Oregon Department of Forestry will tighten public fire prevention restrictions in the Central Oregon District.
Starting today, smoking is prohibited while traveling in forested areas, except in vehicles and on improved roads. Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires and cooking fires except in designated areas. Portable cooking stoves are allowed. Chainsaw use is prohibited between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. in and near forested lands. Chainsaw use is permitted at all other hours if users have appropriate firefighting equipment on hand. Fire watch is required at least one hour following the use of each saw.
Using motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, is prohibited in the forest except on improved roads.
Cutting, grinding and welding metal is prohibited between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m., and mowing dried grass with power-driven equipment is prohibited between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Blasting is also prohibited.
The restrictions apply to private and non-federal public lands protected by the Department of Forestry. The Central Oregon District covers 12 counties, including Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties.