With continuing extreme temperatures and drying vegetation at higher elevations, Deschutes National Forest in coordination with Willamette National Forest has implemented public-use restrictions within five wildernesses.

Effective July 2, open fires, including woodstoves and charcoal-briquette fires, are prohibited in all designated wildernesses on Deschutes National Forest. These wildernesses include the Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, Three Sisters, Diamond Peak, and Mt. Thielsen. Under the public-use restrictions, smoking also is prohibited unless in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. These public-use restrictions are added to those that began June 25 on Deschutes National Forest, which had excepted these wildernesses.

Public-use restrictions implemented last month prohibited open fires, including woodstoves and charcoal-briquette fires on Deschutes National Forest, except in designated campgrounds on Sisters Ranger District: Allen Springs, Allingham, Blue Bay, Camp Sherman, Candle Creek, Cold Spring, Driftwood, Gorge, Graham Corral, Indian Ford, Jack Creek, Lava Camp Lake, Link Creek, Lower Bridge, Lower Canyon Creek, Perry South, Pine Rest, Pioneer Ford, Riverside, Scout Lake, Sheep Spring, Smiling River, South Shore, Three Creek Lake, Three Creek Meadow, Three Creek Horse Camp, and Whispering Pines Horse Camp.

Public-use restrictions protect the forest and visitors. Every year lightning-caused fires place a heavy demand on firefighting resources and put forests, firefighters, and communities at risk. Fires caused through human carelessness or negligence create unnecessary, added risk. Fireworks are prohibited year-round on all national forest lands.

For current Central Oregon wildland fire information, visit centraloregonfire.org or follow fire information on Twitter @CentralORfire.