Fire restrictions start Monday

Willamette National Forest – Campfires and use of chainsaws limited beginning Monday, August 22, at 12:01am

Due to increased fire danger levels, the Willamette National Forest will initiate the following public use restrictions on campfires and chainsaw effective 12:01 am on Monday, August 22nd:

1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, stove or campfire, including a charcoal fire, in the Menagerie and Middle Santiam Wilderness areas.

2. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, stove or campfire, including a charcoal fire except in campfire rings at posted, developed and designated recreation areas and. The list of permissible campgrounds will be posted on the Willamette NF website and will generally include developed campgrounds.

3. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while in an area at least three feet in diameter that is cleared of all flammable material.

“We understand this is an inconvenience for our visitors but fire danger levels prompt us to issue these restrictions” said Sean Stafford, Fire Staff for the Willamette National Forest.

Firewood gatherers who have a permit and utilize that permit under the IFPL level 2 restrictions (stop at 1pm and patrol for 1 hour, carry shovel, fire extinguisher, etc.) may use chainsaws.

DESCRIPTION OF RESTRICTED AREAS:  The Willamette National Forest excluding the Opal Creek, Mt Jefferson, Three Sisters, Mt Washington, Waldo Lake and Diamond Peak Wilderness Areas and fire rings in developed campgrounds. McKenzie River Ranger District developed campgrounds excluded from these restrictions in Exhibit A. (attached) Alder Springs Campground, Big Lake Campground, Big Lake West Campground, Box Canyon Guard Station, Box Canyon Horse Camp, Clear Lake Resort, Cold Water Cove Campground, Cougar Crossing Campground, Delta Campground, French Pete Campground, Frissell Crossing, Hard Rock Campground, Horse Creek Campground, Ice Cap Campground, Limberlost Campground,, Lookout Campground, Lost Lake Campground, McKenzie Bridge Campground, Mona Campground, Olallie Campground, Paradise Campground, Red Diamond Campground, Roaring River Campground, Scott Lake Campground, Slide Creek Campground, Sunnyside Campground, and Trailbridge Campground.

McKenzie River Reflections