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Fire danger rises to high on ODF lands Monday By Staff report Updated: Jun 25, 2021 04:12 PM A A Oregon Dept. of Forestry will increase fire danger to high effective Monday, June 28 Starting Monday, new power equipment restrictions will go into place on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry in Jackson and Josephine counties. Fire danger restrictions will rise to “high” on 1.8 million acres of state, private, county and Bureau of Land Management lands, according to a press release from ODF. The restrictions prohibit the use of equipment, including chain saws and lawn mowers, between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily, and prohibit other spark-emitting equipment such as wood-splitters, generators, welding or the grinding and cutting of metal. Other restrictions already in effect include: No debris burning, including piles and burn barrels No fireworks on or within an eighth of a mile of ODF-protected lands No exploding targets, tracer ammunition or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge at its base Campfires limited to designated campgrounds. Portable stoves that use liquefied or bottled fuels may be used at other campgrounds. Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and ATVs, allowed only on improved roads; riders must travel with a shovel and a gallon of water, or a 2.5-pound fire extinguisher or larger. Smoking while traveling allowed only in enclosed vehicles, in boats on the water and specifically designated areas. During evening or early morning chainsaw operations, crews must have a shovel and an eight-ounce or larger fire extinguisher. Chainsaw operators must watch for fires one hour after use. Use of gas-powered equipment is allowed after hours only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation, and a water supply is on site. Electric fence controllers must be approved by Underwriters Laboratories or certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services, and be installed and used in compliance with the fence controller’s instructions for fire safe operation.