Forest Service fire officials have recommended the elimination of public use restrictions in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area with a reduction in fire danger.  Effective immediately, fire danger levels in the Scenic Area will be lowered from extreme to high, and campfires are now permitted.  Fire officials ask people to continue to be cautious with any and all potential ignition sources.  Vegetation, especially in the eastern gorge, remains dry and is susceptible to sparks.  Human-caused wildfire starts can exhaust local firefighting resources as many firefighters remain engaged in fighting fires across the west.