JOHN DAY — Due to increased moisture levels, the Malheur National Forest is easing some restrictions on forest lands.

As of Wednesday, Sept. 22, fire managers have reduced public use restrictions to Phase B and commercial use restrictions to Level II across the Malheur, the agency said in a news release.

Fire danger remains high on the south zone (Emigrant Creek Ranger District) and is reduced to moderate on the north zone (the Blue Mountain and Prairie districts).

Campfires, charcoal fires and stove fires are still prohibited except within designated recreation sites on the forest.

Additional restrictions remain in place, including tight limits on smoking, using a chainsaw between 1 and 8 p.m., operating an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arrestor and driving off-road.