Local News

Campfires banned in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Aug 13, 2020

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 Friday, August 14.

Under the Forest-wide restriction, the use of wood and charcoal campfires is banned; however, people will still be able to use pressurized liquid gas stoves, pressurized liquid gas fires, or an enclosed solid fuel fire that utilizes a wick to distribute a flame. Wood burning camp stoves sometimes used by hunters 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 in order to reduce firefighter exposure during the current pandemic.

"With the unique circumstances we are all facing this season, including unprecedented levels of recreational use across the national forest, 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 added. The public has traditionally provided an important firefighting resource by reporting suspicious smokes and putting out any abandoned campfires encountered.

The 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, woodcutters need to be aware that restrictions are also in place regarding woodcutting. All woodcutting zones for the Okanogan-Wenatchee Forest remain in an Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) II at this time, which limits the hours that woodcutting activities can occur. Conditions are being evaluated for a possible shift to Level III potentially next week. It is best that woodcutters hold off awhile to do their firewood cutting until weather conditions change; please check back for IFPL updates.