Stage 2 Fire Restrictions expanded across entire Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forestinformation released Due to continuing hot, dry weather, and worsening fire danger conditions the Forest Supervisor is expanding campfire restrictions across the entire Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Stage 2 Fire Restrictions go into effect on Friday, July 17 banning campfires across the forest, including developed campgrounds and designated Wilderness areas. Under the forest-wide restriction, the use of wood and charcoal campfires is banned; however, people will still be able to use pressurized or bottled liquid fuel stoves, lanterns, campfires or heating devices if no flammable material is present within three feet of the device, and it has a functioning on/off switch or valve. Wood burning camp stoves will not be allowed. “Every summer we try to take a proactive approach to fire prevention, taking into consideration the public’s interest in having responsible campfires in their national forest along with what we’re seeing with forest and fuels conditions, and weather predictions,” said Fire Prevention Officer, Ben Eddings. “With the increasingly dry conditions combined with the depleted winter snowpack on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, and a recent uptick in front country wildfires in North Central Washington, we’re implementing Stage 2 Fire Restrictions now to maximize public safety and avoid as many unwanted, human-caused wildfires as possible,” said Eddings. Under Stage 2 fire restrictions recreational (target) shooting is also prohibited on the forest. The shooting restriction does not impact lawful hunting under tribal treaty rights or with a valid state-issued license during hunting season. “We cannot measure the fires we prevent, but if these restrictions protect one home, save one community, or bring one firefighter safely back to their family, it is well worth it,” Eddings said. “Critical fire weather conditions are forecast through next week, and any new starts will have potential to get large quickly in these conditions.” Visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/fire-restrictions for details on current restrictions. Firewood cutters must also comply with Industrial Fire Precaution Level requirements found at https://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/protection/ifpl/. |
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions-What’s not allowed:
- Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire, including charcoal, biomass/twig stoves and other open flames.
- Smoking, except within enclosed vehicle or building, designated campground, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet diameter barren or cleared of flammable material.
- Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework, explosive or other pyrotechnic device.
- Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest roads or trails.
- Discharging a firearm, except while engaged in a lawful hunt.
- Violating any state law concerning burning fires.
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions– What is allowed:
- Pressurized or bottle liquid-fuel stoves/lanterns, or heating devices and portable propane campfire pits can be used, however the device must have a functioning on-off switch, or valve that can extinguish the fire. In addition, no flammable material immediately is present within 3 feet of the device.
Protecting the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest takes all of us. We are taking action today to keep our firefighters, homes, and public lands safe tomorrow.
If you’re planning to recreate on lands managed by other state, federal, county, or other national forests, please check for current restrictions in those locations, because campfire restrictions and conditions may vary across the Washington State.
Para obtener información en español visite: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/okanogan-wenatchee/newsroom/releases/campfire-ban-goes-effect-okanogan-wenatchee-national
