Due to dry vegetation, increased fire behavior and consistently hot and windy conditions, the Oregon Department of Forestry is raising the local fire danger level to "extreme" on Tuesday.
At 12:01 a.m. tomorrow, the fire danger level in Josephine and Jackson counties will be elevated to extreme -- the Industrial Fire Precaution Level will remain "2."
During extreme fire danger, the use of all power-driven machinery including power saws; the cutting, grinding and welding of metal; and the mowing of dead or dry grass is completely prohibited on ODF-protected lands. The operation of any other spark-emitting internal combustion engines not specifically mentioned is also prohibited. Use of electric chainsaws and the mowing of green grass are allowed.
All other fire prevention regulations remain in effect including the ban on outdoor debris burning and the use of fireworks. Open fires are prohibited except in approved fire rings at designated campgrounds. In other locations clear of dry vegetation, portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.
Smoking is prohibited while traveling except in vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other designated locations. Motor vehicles -- including motorcycles and ATVs -- may only be used on improved roads free of flammable vegetation except when used for the culture and harvest of agricultural crops. All-terrain vehicles and motorcycles traveling on ODF-protected lands must be equipped with one 2.5-pound or larger fire extinguisher.
More information about local fire season regulations can be found by visiting "swofire.com."
