Reporter for The Canyon Weekly
The U.S. Forest service has eased campfire restrictions in the Willamette Valley amid the increase in precipitation and cooler temperatures.
The change took effect Wednesday, Sept. 25, in both the Willamette and Siuslaw national forests. The restrictions had been in place since late July.
Fire danger was lowered to “moderate” on the Willamette National Forest and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) is at Level 1, which means general fire season procedures are in place.
The Siuslaw National Forest has lowered the fire danger level to “low.” Visit https://gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions/ifpl.html for a statewide look at restrictions.
Campfires are once again allowed outside of developed campgrounds and restrictions on chainsaws, off-highway vehicles, and smoking will be lifted, a U.S. Fores Service press release said.
However, even with the reduced fire risk, it is still important, federal forest officials said, to never leave a campfire unattended and to completely extinguish it so it is cold to the touch.
The cancellation of public use restrictions, also known as fire restrictions, applies to all lands within the Siuslaw and Willamette National Forests, including wilderness and special recreation areas.
The Willamette National Forest still has closures in place for some areas due to active wildfires and ongoing emergency response work.
To check the status of a location before entering the forest, visit .
Firefighters and heavy equipment crews also continue to do fire work and suppression repair in the Willamette National Forest and along forest roads. This includes road work and hazard tree removal, as well as the movement of firefighting vehicles and equipment.
Visitors are encouraged to exercise caution and check road reports before entering or driving in those areas.
There are no active closures for fire or fire-related activities on the Siuslaw National Forest.
