The Central Oregon District of the Oregon Department of Forestry is declaring fire season on all the lands it protects in Wasco and Hood River counties beginning on Monday. The initial declaration will mainly pertain to commercial operations on forested land, but will soon be followed up with a Regulated Use Closure that will involve public use restrictions. Forest Officer Rick Fletcher says after recent rains fuel loading has increased. Fletcher said the long-term forecast is suggesting an average to just above average fire season.