Deer hunters are got reprieve over the weekend as the U.S. Forest Service lifted its restrictions on fires and other activities in the region’s forests.

Aided by rain and cooler temperatures, the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest on Friday lifted restrictions on campfires, off-road driving, use of generators, and smoking outdoors.

Even though the restrictions have been lifted, the Forest Service is asking the public to help to prevent fires.

“Since the fire danger is still high in some areas, hunters and other forest users are asked to use caution when building campfires and warming fires and to make sure their campfire is completely out before leaving camp,” said Wallowa-Whitman Fire Management Officer Matt Reidy.

In the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, within the Snake River corridor and the Hells Canyon Reservoir in Oregon, the public fire restrictions remain consistent with information printed on river permits, which requires use of fire pans and prohibits open campfires. The use of charcoal briquettes in the river corridor, is permitted.

Firewood cutters are allowed to operate chainsaws. The one-hour fire watch after shutting down the chainsaw remains in effect and is a requirement on the fuelwood cutting permit. Fire suppression equipment such as a shovel with long handle and a fire extinguisher are also required for fuelwood cutting operations.

“Cooperation from all forest users is the key to reduce the chance of a human-caused fire,” said Reidy. For additional information, on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, please call the local office. In Baker City, dial 541-523-6391 or 541-523-4476; Enterprise, 541-426-4978; La Grande, 541-963-7186; Halfway, 541-742-7511; Unity, 541-446-3351; HCNRA Snake River Office, Clarkston, WA, 509-758-0616; or visit the Forest website at www.fs.fed.us/r6/w-w