The Oregon Department of Forestry’s John Day Unit’s Regulated-Use Closure was ended on Friday. The fire prevention measures were terminated for The Dalles and Prineville units last week, but fire Season remains in effect across the Central Oregon District. Wildland fuels, including live vegetation and down woody material are extremely dry. Limited precipitation, combined with long-term drought conditions continue to elevate the risk of fire ignition and increase fire behavior in wildland fuels. Fire managers regularly evaluate conditions to determine current fire danger and necessary restrictions to limit impacts from wildfires. During Fire Season backyard debris burning, including burn barrels is allowed by permit only. Many counties have burn bans in place prohibiting debris burning at this time. Check restrictions in your local area to help prevent wildfires. Other activities prohibited during fire season include smoking in forest operation areas, blasting without a permit, use of exploding targets and tracer ammunition. Failure to follow Fire Season restrictions can result in citations, fines, and liability for costs associated with putting fires out. For additional information on ODF’s Central Oregon District, visit www.ODFcentraloregon.com.