Starting today, loggers and industrial workers no longer will be able to blast, weld or cable yard from 1 to 8 p.m. in certain forestland areas.

They also are banned from using power saws between these hours, except at loading sites.

Set by the Coos Forest Protective Association, these fire prevention measures are intended to stop wildfires before they start. Restrictions apply to all lands protected by CFPA within regulated use zones CS-2, CS-5, SK-1 and SK-2. Industrial operators can check their operating permits to determine the zones they are working in.

CFPA spokesman Tom Fields said any business that has taken out a permit to work in these areas is asked to comply.

The changes come after an increase in fire danger on forestlands protected by the CFPA, which is responsible for wildfire protection on the South Coast. The district covers 1.5 million acres of private, county, state and Bureau of Land Management lands in Coos, Curry and Western Douglas counties.

Industrial Fire Precau-tion Level II, also known as “partial hoot owl,” also requires a fire watch of three hours.  

Fields explained that when a logging or industrial operation shuts down for the day, it is required to have an employee stay at the site for  an additional three hours in case of a flare-up from the day’s work.

“It might not raise its head right away,” Fields said.

For up-to-date information on wildland restrictions for the public and industry, call CFPA’s closure information line at (541) 267-1789 or visit www.coosfpa.net. For burn permits and other business, contact the CFPA at 267-3161.