SOUTHERN Ore.-- Dry weather and high temperatures have fire crews increasing the fire danger.
The Oregon Department of Forestry has bumped the fire level to extreme for the first time since last year.
Now it's cutting back the number of hours residents can use powered equipment such as lawn mowers and chainsaws.
Starting Thursday tools with engines will be restricted between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
"People and lightning start fires. We are cutting down things that are likely to cause fires during the time of the day fires are most likely to grow," said Brian Balou, ODF Spokesperson.
He says days pushing 100 degrees dry out vegetation more and are perfect conditions for fires to start.
Crews say restrictions make a big difference.
Before Southern Oregon had them, firefighters would respond to up to 300 fires each summer.
Now that number has been cut in half.
Meanwhile, the department is not beefing up its staff, but says it will call in more people if it has to.
ODF has added a new restriction..
Beginning Thursday tracer rounds or bullets with a tracking device will be restricted until the end of fire season.
For more information about fire restriction visit: cms.oregon.gov/ODF/pages/field/swo/swofire.aspx.
Related Stories
- National News
- International News
Automotive
Find valuable information about buying your next car, including price quotes and your latest automotive news.
We Know Why You're Awake
We Know Why You're Awake. We can help.
Closings & Delays
Check here for closures and delays.
Community Calendar
Looking for something to do? Check the events calendar.
Gas Prices
Gas prices are on everybody's mind. So News10 is working with Gas Buddy to help you find the cheapest gas in the area.
Word of the Day
The Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo is sponsoring our "Word of the Day" contest. Click image to see details!
2013 Last Band Standing
Enter this years Last Band Standing! Click to enter online and find out about the contest.
No Text Zone
Help make our roads safe and you could win prizes! Read the official rules here!
KTVL Top Stories
Business News
Gauge of US economy's future health up in April
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A measure of the U.S. economy's future health rose in solidly in April, buoyed by a sharp rise in applications to build new homes and apartments.
Consumer Info
BC-US--Dow Record-Three Personal Stories, 1st Ld-Writethru,1173
Dow Record: Three tales of ups, downs and changes
AP Photo FX102, FX103
Eds: With BC-US--Dow Record. Adds photos.
By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ
AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- When the Dow first crossed 14,000, investors were overjoyed. ...
Entertainment News
Get This
ON THIN ICE?
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- He was already on thin ice with the law when he failed to meet the conditions of his probation.
Science/Tech News
IN THE NEWS: LABOR GROUP SAYS CONDITIONS AT APPLE PLANTS IMPROVING
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A labor group Apple joined to assess working conditions at three manufacturing plants in China, where its products are made, says conditions are getting better.

