As the weather heats up and forest fuels continue to dry out, the Oregon Department of Forestry will increase restrictions on lands within its Central Oregon district boundaries this week.

The agency announced Thursday that it will implement Regulated Closure-Phase 2 on Friday, which modifies the time frame when certain activities that can spark fires on ODF-managed land are permitted. Activities like mowing dried grass, using chainsaws and cutting or grinding metal are prohibited within ODF’s Central Oregon district boundaries, according to a news release from the agency.

Additionally, smoking is prohibited while traveling, except in vehicles on improved roads, according to the release. Open fires are prohibited, as is the use of fireworks and blasting. Use of motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, is prohibited under certain circumstances.

More information on these restrictions and closures is available at www.odfcentraloregon.com.