| Effective immediately, campfires are allowed only in designated, developed recreation sites and some designated Wilderness areas on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
Recent warm weather is forecast to continue and is quickly drying out forest fuels and increasing fire danger. Due to changing conditions and recent increase in fire activity, both locally and nationally, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions have been put into effect to reduce the risk of escaped campfires and other human caused fires.
The following is PROHIBITED under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes) outside of a designated campground or recreation site with established Forest Service fire rings or grills.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a designated campground, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
- Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System Roads and Trails, except minimum travel over bare mineral soil, to access dispersed camping.
- Violating any state law concerning burning, fires, or which is for the purpose of preventing or restricting the spread of fire.
- Fireworks are always prohibited on National Forest System lands.
The following activities and uses are ALLOWED on the Forest during Stage 1 Fire Restrictions:
- Campfires contained inside established fire rings grills at designated recreation sites.
- Campfires in designated Wilderness areas, except locations where they are never allowed.
- Pressurized or bottled liquid fuel stoves, lanterns, or heating devices when used in areas that are clear of all overhead and surrounding flammable material within 3 feet of the device. Device must have a functioning on-off switch or valve that can extinguish the fire immediately.
- Recreational shooting, where otherwise allowed by law.
Some special sites, such as group camps and summer homes operated under permit, are exempt from this order.
For complete details on what is and is not allowed, including a list of designated recreation sites and exemptions visit: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/okawen/campfires |
