Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Begin on Friday

Fire restrictions tighten in unincorporated Chelan County

information released

Beginning Friday, Stage 2 fire restrictions go into effect in the unincorporated areas of Chelan County.

With Stage 2 restrictions, people can no longer have campfires at their homes and target shooting is prohibited outside of a gun range. Outdoor burning of yard debris has been banned since June 1.

Hunting is still allowed in open areas and the use of commercial barbecues and camp stoves is also allowed.

“With major wildfires now burning in Oregon and throughout Washington, firefighting resources may be stretched,” said Chris Pedersen, Chelan County fire marshal. “It’s only July – we still have a lot of fire season to get through. We need everyone to do their part and not be the spark that causes a wildfire in our area.”

With the upgrade in restrictions also comes an increase in the fire danger rating in Chelan County’s Valley Zone. The zone has been upgraded to an “extreme” rating, the highest rating on the fire danger scale in Chelan County.

The Mountain Zone remains at a “very high,” which is the last rating before extreme. Fire danger ratings refer to how fire-prone conditions are.