OLYMPIA - The state Department of Natural Resources has increased the industrial fire precaution level in increasing in parts of northeast Washington.
     The level in zones 678E, 678W and 684 in Okanogan and Ferry counties moved from Level 1 to Level 2 ("Partial Hootowl") at 12:01 a.m., Sunday, August 22.
     Partial Hootowl means that certain forest industrial activities, including cutting firewood, are restricted to between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m.
     According to DNR, other restricted activities are:
     -Operating power saws (except at loading sites).
     -Cable yarding.
     -Blasting.
     -Welding or cutting metal.
     DNR officials said those using chainsaws in the forest, including cutting firewood, must follow certain rules:
     -Chainsaws must have approved, working exhaust systems.
     -A one-hour fire watch must follow the last use of a chainsaw.
     -A fire extinguisher, containing at least eight ounces of retardant, must be where the chainsaw is used.
     -A shovel must be retrievable within two minutes or less.
     The fire danger rating for Okanogan and Ferry counties remains high, which prohibits all burning on DNR-protected lands, except for campfires in approved campgrounds. Some campgrounds have additional restrictions.