Fire restrictions eased in Blue Mountains

Fire restrictions are being eased in the Umatilla National Forest to allow campfires, but only in campgrounds.

Restrictions on the use of chainsaws, generators and smoking remain in effect.

Cutting firewood is not allowed. Smoking is only allowed within enclosed vehicles, buildings, and developed recreation sites or when stopped in an area cleared of all flammable material.

“Recent light rains and cooler temperatures have given us a reprieve from the extreme fire conditions we were facing a few days ago. However, the potential for large fire activity persists as warmer and drier weather is expected in the coming days,” said Chris Johnson of the U.S. Forest Service.

This story was originally published September 4, 2015 at 5:19 PM with the headline "Fire restrictions eased in Blue Mountains."