USFS fire restrictions are now in effect

MCKENZIE BRIDGE: Due to increased fire danger levels, the Willamette National Forest placed public use restrictions on campfires and chainsaws starting on Monday.

“We understand this is an inconvenience for our visitors but fire danger levels prompt us to issue these restrictions” said Sean Stafford, Fire Staff for the Willamette National Forest.

Except in campfire rings at posted, developed and designated recreation areas building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, stove or campfire are now restricted.

Smoking, too, is affected except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while in an area at least three feet in diameter that is cleared of all flammable material.

In addition, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, stove or campfire, including a charcoal fire, in the Middle Santiam Wilderness and Menagerie  areas is not allowed.

Firewood gatherers who have a permit are required under the  restrictions to stop at 1 p.m. and patrol for 1 hour, as well as carry a shovel  and fire extinguisher when using chainsaws.

McKenzie River Ranger District’s developed campgrounds are excluded from the restrictions. They include the Alder Springs Campground, Big Lake Campground, Big Lake West Campground, Box Canyon Guard Station, Box Canyon Horse Camp, Clear Lake Resort, Cold Water Cove Campground, Cougar Crossing Campground, Delta Campground, French Pete Campground, Frissell Crossing, Hard Rock Campground, Horse Creek Campground, Ice Cap Campground, Limberlost Campground,, Lookout Campground, Lost Lake Campground, McKenzie Bridge Campground, Mona Campground, Olallie Campground, Paradise Campground, Red Diamond Campground, Roaring River Campground, Scott Lake Campground, Slide Creek Campground, Sunnyside Campground, and Trailbridge Campground.

Image: The digital sign board over Hwy. 126 in Rainbow warns travelers that a local fire is still impacting recreation.

McKenzie River Reflections