Umpqua National Forest Moves to Moderate Fire Danger, Stage 1 Restrictions Remain

The Umpqua National Forest is lowering fire danger to Moderate as cooler temperatures and incoming rain move into the area, but officials say fire precautions are still in place for visitors heading into the forest.

Public Use Restrictions remain at Stage 1, and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level remains at Level 1.

For campers and other recreators, Stage 1 restrictions mean campfires, charcoal fires, briquette fires, pellet fires and other open flames are only allowed inside Forest-constructed fire rings in designated recreation areas. Fires fueled by pressurized fuel or propane are still allowed. Campfires in wilderness areas are not prohibited under the current restrictions.

Smoking is also restricted and is only allowed inside an enclosed vehicle, inside a building, or in an area cleared of flammable material at least three feet in diameter.

Chainsaw use is prohibited between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. At all other times, chainsaw use requires a one-hour fire watch.

Motorized vehicles are limited to designated roads and trails. Off-road vehicle use is prohibited, except in areas without vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway or when making minimal travel over bare mineral soil to access dispersed camping sites.

Welding and the use of explosives are also prohibited.

Forest officials are reminding visitors that even when campfires are allowed in designated fire rings, they must be fully extinguished before leaving a campsite. Campfires should be drowned, stirred and checked by feeling near the ashes with the back of a hand. A fire should be cold to the touch before it is left unattended.

More information is available through the Umpqua National Forest’s public use restrictions page.