JOHN DAY – The Malheur National Forest last week lowered its Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) on the North Zone to an IFPL 2, and to an IFPL 3 on the South Zone.

Stan Benes, Forest supervisor, announced the change effective Aug. 21.

In addition, campfires are now allowed in designated recreation sites. This is a change from a ban imposed on all campfires the previous. Rain early last week prompted forest officials to allow campfires at some campgrounds, and a list is available on the Malheur Forest website.

All other public use restrictions remain in effect, including the ban on firewood cutting and campfires in the Monument Rock and Strawberry Mountain wildernesses.

Changing weather conditions could result in a complete campfire ban being reinstated, therefore visitors are encouraged to come prepared in the event that campfires are prohibited.

Under Public Use Restrictions, visitors are not allowed to have an open campfire or charcoal grill except in specific designated recreation sites. No fires are allowed in the Monument Rock or Strawberry Mountain Wildernesses. Liquid gas stoves and heaters are allowed. Smoking is only permitted in an enclosed vehicle, building, or within specific developed recreation sites. Smoking is also allowed while stopped in an area that is at least three feet in diameter and is cleared of all flammable material. Smoking is not permitted while traveling through timber, brush, or grass. The use of chainsaws, generators and other internal compbusion engines in timber, grass, or brush is also

prohibited until further notice. Generators may be used if in a clear, dirt circle no less than 10 feet in diameter, or in the bed of a pickup that has been cleared of flammable material. Off-road vehicle travel and firewood cutting are not allowed.