JOHN DAY — The north end of the Malheur National Forest (Blue Mountain and Prairie City ranger districts) will move to a fire danger rating of high and implement Phase A public use restrictions. The designation danger rating becomes effective on Thursday, July 11.

The Emigrant Ranger District, in the southern part of the forest, was already under a high fire danger designation.

There are currently no industrial fire precaution level changes.

When the fire danger is high, fires can start easily from most causes and small fuels (grasses and needles) will readily ignite.

Unattended camp and brush fires are likely to escape. Fires will spread easily and can become serious and difficult to control.

Under Phase A of public use restrictions, the following acts are prohibited on all National Forest System Lands within the the Malheur National Forest:

• Smoking except within in enclosed vehicle or building, developed recreational site, or while stopped in an area that has at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

• Operating a chainsaw between the hours of 1 and 8 p.m. Saw operations are required to have a shovel and a fire extinguisher, and one-hour fire watch is required.

• Operating any internal combustion engine without a spark arresting device.

• Using a vehicle off National Forest System Roads except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.

For additional information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/malheur or call the Malheur National Forest office at 541-575-3000.