Suislaw National Forest managers implemented special fire restrictions Thursday due to the increasingly hot weather on the South Coast, according to a U.S. Forest Service press release.

The Siuslaw's jurisdiction includes its forested lands and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, however not all of the restrictions apply to the Oregon Dunes.

In an order issued this week, rules prohibit visitors from building fires or campfires, including charcoal fires, except in certain developed campgrounds, smoking except in vehicles or developed recreation sites, and restricts vehicles to forest roads.

Acting Forest Supervisor Kevin Martin said staff has noticed an increase in potential fire fuels this spring and with the warmer weather these grasses and plants are drying out and becoming highly flammable.

These restrictions take place on all Siuslaw National Forest lands east of U.S. Highway 101 when south of Lincoln City, and the entire Hebo Ranger District.

Off-highway vehicle operations at the Oregon Dunes still are allowed.

Campfires are allowed in the following dunes campgrounds: Lagoon Campground, Waxmyrtle Campground, Driftwood II Campground, Tyee Campground, Carter Lake Campground, Tahken-itch Campground, Tahkenitch Landing, Eel Creek Campground, Spinreel Campground, Horsfall Campground, Bluebill Camp-ground and Horsfall Beach parking lot.

For more information, people can contact a local Forest Service office or go to the Web site at http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/siuslaw.