Lots of people noticed the big smoke column near Coquille on Tuesday. Big fire?

Not exactly.

The smoke was from an 87-acre controlled burn on grazing, grassland in the Arago area between Coquille and Myrtle Point. That’s according to Coos Forest Protective Association spokesman Tom Fields.

“I’m driving toward Coquille and it is very visible from Highway 42,” Fields said Tuesday afternoon.

CFPA allows ranchers to do controlled burns as long as they have a fire warden inspect the burn area first. They also are required to keep equipment nearby to put out a fire should it cross required fire trails cut around the edges of the burn.

Pasture burning helps ranchers get rid of weeds and brush, along with helping rid fields of and insects and plant diseases.

For up-to-date information on wildland restrictions for the public and industry, those interested can call CFPA’s closure information line at 267-1789 or visit http://www.coosfpa.net. For burn permits and other business, call the CFPA at 267-3161.

Fire rules increase

The Coos Forest Protective Association has increase the fire prevention measures for industrial operations due to increased fire danger in forestlands.

Industrial Fire Precaution Level 2 takes effect today, on all lands protected by CFPA within regulated use zones CS-5 and SK-2. Industrial operators can check their operating permits to determine the zone that they are working in.

The Level 2 closure, or “partial hootowl,” prohibits blasting, welding and cable yarding from 1 to 8 p.m. The use of chain saws also is prohibited between these hours, except at loading sites. A three-hour firewatch also is required.

Lands open for hunting

Plum Creek Timberlands will open some lands in Coos, Curry and Douglas counties for hunting.

Camping and fires are not allowed. Regulated fire use restrictions remain in effect. Areas behind closed gates remain closed .

Land closure information is also available at http://egov.oregon.gov/ odf/fire/corporate_closure.shtml.