HINES – The Burns Interagency Fire Zone has moved from an Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) 1 to a level 2, partial hoot owl, as of Wednesday, Aug. 3.

IFPL 2 limits the operation of power saws (except at loading sites), cable yarding, blasting, and welding or cutting of metal to the hours between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m.

The IFPL change affects all public land within the Burns Interagency Fire Zone. Fuel and weather conditions in Harney County are changing quickly. The public is reminded to use extreme caution when outdoors and recreating on public land this time of year.

For more information on the IFPL, public use restrictions or regulated fire closures, call the Burns Interagency Communication Center at 541-573-4545. Fire danger is currently rated moderate, and a regulated fire closure on the east side of Steens Mountain is in effect.