High temperatures have prompted the Oregon Department of Forestry to tighten fire prevention restrictions in the Central Oregon District starting at 6 a.m. today.

Open fires are prohibited except in designated areas. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.

Chain saw use, along with the cutting, grinding and welding of metal is prohibited between 1 and 8 p.m. These activities are allowed outside those hours, but firefighting equipment including an ax, shovel and fire extinguisher are required. A fire watch is also required at least one hour following the use of a saw.

Use of fireworks is prohibited.

Mowing dried grass with power-driven equipment is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., except for commercial endeavors. Blasting is prohibited.

Smoking while traveling is prohibited, except in vehicles on improved roads.

These restrictions apply to private and nonfederal public lands protected by the Department of Forestry in 12 counties, including Crook, Jefferson and Deschutes counties.