Document text
http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Since We Asked Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend August 3, 2006 Fire danger heats up to 'extreme' on Friday By Paul Fattig Mail Tribune The region may have cooled slightly from its recent triple-digit heat, but cooler weather hasn't put a damper on the fire danger. The Oregon Department of Forestry is increasing the danger level to extreme beginning Friday in Jackson and Josephine counties. The increased restrictions associated with the extreme fire level apply only to public use of lands protected by the department, including forest and brushlands on state, private, county and U.S. Bureau of Land Management lands. The U.S. Forest Service is also making similar increased restrictions in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest on Friday. "We've had a great break in the weather but it's starting to heat up again," said Greg Alexander, Medford Unit forester for the ODF's Southwest Oregon District. "It's starting to get very dry." Fire officials say the hot, dry weather throughout the region has increased the potential for wildfires to spread quickly, threatening residents and forestlands. Since the fire season began, there have been 102 fires in the district, burning a little more than 100 acres. Only eight of those fires have been caused by lightning. Most of the rest were caused by abandoned campfires and escaped debris-burning fires, officials said. Increasing the fire danger level to extreme is typical of this time of year, Alexander said. "People have been paying close attention to the fire danger," he said. "They are hearing what's happening with the weather, that things are getting dry all over the West. They know they have to be careful." Additional public use fire restrictions that go into effect Friday include the following activities that are banned between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.: Chainsaw use. During other hours, users must have an ax, shovel and fire extinguisher on-site, and provide a one-hour fire watch after using the saw. Mowing dry grass. The exception would be for agricultural purposes, such as cutting hay. Cutting, grinding or welding metal. During other hours, a water supply must be present at the work site and work may occur only in a cleared area. Regulations already in place that will remain in effect on Friday include: Debris burning, including burn barrels, is prohibited. Fireworks are prohibited. Campfires are allowed only in designated campgrounds. This restriction includes charcoal-fired barbecues; however, stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed. Vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, are not allowed on unimproved roads. Smoking is allowed only in a vehicle and only while on an improved road. For information on specific campgrounds in the national forest, contact the appropriate ranger district office. For more information on the fire danger level, see " target="_blank">www.oregon.gov/ODF/FIELD/SWO/SWOfire.shtml. Reach reporter Paul Fattig at 776-4496 or at [email protected] Advertisement s Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems California Casinos Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews