Campfires banned in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Continuing hot, dry weather, and worsening fire danger conditions have prompted forest officials to expand campfire restrictions across the entire Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, which includes national forest campgrounds and Wilderness areas. These restrictions go into effect Thursday, August 11.

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, or heating devices if no flammable material is present within three feet of the device. Wood burning camp stoves will not be allowed.

In addition to the dry condition of forests and rangelands, there is a need to reduce the threat of human-caused fires.

“It is very important to reduce the threat of human-caused fires. Public cooperation has been excellent when campfire restrictions have been necessary in the past, and right now that same cooperation is crucial,” said Forest Supervisor Kristin Bail.

“In addition to adhering to restrictions, people who use the Okanogan-Wenatchee Forest can help us a great deal simply by being watchful when they are in the woods,” Bail said. “The public has traditionally provided an important firefighting resource by reporting suspicious smokes and putting out any abandoned campfires they encountered.”

Campfire restrictions will be lifted once fire danger has lessened and the weather brings some much needed soaking rain.

In addition to the Forest-wide campfire restrictions, woodcutting restrictions go into effect on August 15. Woodcutting Zones 687 and 678W will move to an Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) II, and Zones 684, 675 and 609W will move to level III. Industrial Fire Precaution Level II limits the hours that woodcutting activities can occur. Level III shuts down woodcutting completely. It is best that woodcutters hold off awhile to do their firewood cutting until weather conditions change; please check back for IFPL updates.