Tight fire restrictions in force in region

Fire restrictions are in effect throughout Central Oregon as Labor Day weekend and hunting season approach.

Extremely dry fuel conditions have made campfire and other precautions a necessity, according to fire officials. It only takes one small spark from a "cold" campfire to start a wildland fire and change a fun experience into a nightmare.

Campfires on public lands and private timberlands throughout the area are either banned or restricted to designated campgrounds. If campers want to camp outside developed recreation areas, they may only cook on gas, propane, or butane-type camp stoves.

Sheep herder stoves, charcoal stoves, and Dutch-oven pits are among some of the cooking methods not allowed outside developed recreation areas.

"While we have had recent cooler weather and shorter days, we still have no rainfall in the forecast and we anticipate increased recreation over the next few weekends as archery season, Labor Day and mushroom season approach," said Rock Gerke Deputy Fire Staff Officer for the Deschutes National Forest. "We want folks to enjoy their forests and rangelands, but remember to put fire safety first."

There are other restrictions in place on smoking, welding, off-road vehicle use and internal combustion engines.

A 24-hour toll-free phone line is in place to answer questions concerning the current fire restrictions on Central Oregon wildlands: 1-800-523-4737.