Umpqua National Forest Moves to Stage 2 Public Use Restrictions Friday

The Umpqua National Forest will move to Stage 2 Public Use Restrictions beginning Friday, July 24, as high fire danger continues across the Forest.

Under the increased restrictions, campfires and other open flames will generally be prohibited outside of Forest Service-constructed concrete or metal fire rings at designated developed recreation sites. Campfires will not be allowed in wilderness areas, and chainsaw use will be prohibited throughout the Forest.

Campfires fueled by pressurized gas or propane will remain permitted. Cook stoves, lanterns and similar devices fueled solely by gas, propane, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel may also be used if they have an on-and-off switch and all flammable vegetation is cleared at least three feet from the flame.

Stage 2 restrictions include:

• Campfires, charcoal fires, briquette fires, pellet fires and other open fires are prohibited outside Forest Service-constructed fire rings at designated recreation sites.
• Campfires are prohibited in wilderness areas.
• Chainsaw use and other internal combustion engine-powered cutting equipment are prohibited.
• Smoking is prohibited except inside an enclosed vehicle or building, or in an area cleared of flammable material for at least three feet in every direction.
• Motorized vehicles may only be operated on designated roads and trails.
• Driving off National Forest System roads is prohibited, except in areas without vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway or when minimal travel over bare mineral soil is necessary to reach a dispersed campsite.
• Welding and the use of explosives are prohibited.

Forest officials are reminding visitors that fires inside approved Forest Service fire rings must be completely extinguished before a campsite is left unattended.

Campers should drown the fire with water, stir the ashes and carefully check for remaining heat. A fire should feel cold to the touch before anyone leaves the area.

The Umpqua National Forest remains under High Fire Danger.

More information about current restrictions and exemptions is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/umpqua/fire/info/public-use-restrictions-purs