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Increased restrictions on power mowing, chainsaw use and a handful of other activities that can throw sparks into fire-primed brush go into effect Saturday. The Oregon Department of Forestry reported fire danger will make the leap to "high" on the 1.8 million acres of lands in Jackson and Josephine counties they protect. ODF spokesman Brian Ballou said a recent uptick in equipment-sparked fires — set in the midst of crews already scrambling to put out dozens of other lightning starts — and the dry outlook prompted forestry officials to raise the level. "We just know it's going to get hotter and drier," Ballou said.  Under the new restrictions, chainsaws and power mowers cannot be used from 1 to 8 p.m. During times chainsaws can be used, users must have an ax, a shovel and at least an 8-ounce fire extinguisher at the job site. A fire watch is also required an hour after the saw is shut down. Mowing restrictions don't apply to the mowing of green lawns or equipment used for commercial or agricultural harvest. Cutting and grinding metal also is not allowed between 1 and 8 p.m., and at other times the work site must be cleared of possibly flammable vegetation, and a water supply must be available.  "I still think that gives plenty of time for people to get their weed whacking and work done," Ballou said.  In addition, smoking is allowed only on improved roads and in enclosed vehicles. Electric fences must be signed off on by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or the Department of Consumer and Business Services. Previous restrictions still in effect include no debris burning — in piles or barrels — no fireworks on forestlands; no exploding targets, tracer ammunition or bullets with pyrotechnic charges; and no sky lanterns. In Ashland, in addition to the restrictions in place across the region, fires in backyard fire pits and fire rings in Lithia Park will be banned, Ashland Fire & Rescue officials said. On the Rogue River's Wild & Scenic Section, campfires will be prohibited. Charcoal cooking fires built in raised fire pans and portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels will be allowed where no vegetation grows on sand or gravel bars between the water and high water marks. Ashes must be hauled out. All travelers must carry a shovel, and a bucket at least one gallon in size.  Smoking is allowed only in boats on the water or vegetation-free sand or gravel bars. Reach reporter Ryan Pfeil at 541-776-4468 or [email protected] . Follow him at www.twitter.com/ryanpfeil .