Fire danger leads to forest restrictions

Extreme fire danger in Central Oregon has prompted fire officials to impose restrictions on activities in Sisters area forests.

Effective Tuesday, August 21, open fires are permitted only in designated campgrounds. Campfires are allowed in Sisters Ranger District campgrounds except Monty and Black Springs campgrounds.

Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuel and enclosed stoves with screens may be used with caution, according to Forest Service officials. Users are asked to clear an area 10 feet around the stove before use.

Vehicles are restricted to developed roads that are free from vegetation. According to the Forest Service, there is a fire risk from hot catalytic converters coming into contact with dry brush growing in the middle of less-used roads and starting a fire.

No motorized vehicles are allowed on trails.

Smoking is restricted to enclosed vehicles and buildings, on boats on lakes, or in designated campgrounds.

Welding, using explosives or operating a chain saw is prohibited.

"Your cooperation during this extremely dangerous fire season is needed," said George Chesley Interagency Fire Management Officer for Central Oregon. "The moisture of our live vegetation is at dangerously low levels."