Oregon Department of Forestry Announces Regulated Use Closure on All North Cascade District Fore

Photo courtesy: nps.gov

(SALEM) - The Oregon Department of Forestry has announced a Regulated Use Closure on all lands protected by the North Cascade District. The district encompasses private and industrial forestlands in portions of Multnomah, Clackamas, Marion and Linn counties.

"The large fire in the Estacada area last Sunday demonstrates clearly that the wildland fuels such as grasses on forestlands are very dry and can burn easily", said department information officer Jamie Paul. "People who work and play in the forests need to take extra precautions to prevent fires from starting."

Rules in effect on public activities on the forestlands protected by the department include restrictions on smoking, open campfires, chainsaw use, off-road vehicles use, the mowing of dry grass, fireworks and the cutting and grinding of metal. All backyard burning is also banned.

In addition, industrial operators on forestland also must take extra fire safety precautions, such as having a fire watch present after operations end for the day and positioning fire suppression equipment on site. Industrial operators should call their local Department of Forestry office each day before operating to find out about current restrictions on the areas in which they operate.

"The Fourth of July Holiday signaled the normal start of drier forest fuels and served to remind everyone that it is especially important to keep fire safety in mind, both at work and when enjoying the forests, throughout the summer," Paul said.