OLYMPIA – The state Department of Natural Resources is lowering the industrial fire precaution level in parts of Okanogan County.
     The level in Zone 678W will move from II to I as of 12:01 a.m. Friday, Sept. 3. That level allows those operating equipment, including chainsaws, in the woods to work more hours of the day.
     The level in Zone 684 remains at II. Restrictions limit most forest industrial activities to between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. the next day, the DNR said.
     Those using chainsaws in the forest, including those 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 in the immediate vicinity of where the chainsaw is being used.
     -A shovel must be retrievable in two minutes or less.
     In an effort to reduce preventable wildfires, DNR issued a statewide burn ban, covering all DNR-protected lands, for July 15 through Sept. 30. The ban includes all forest lands in Washington except for federal lands.
     During the ban, designated campgrounds may allow campfires in approved fire pits. Some campgrounds have additional restrictions or bans on campfires.