Campfire ban expanded across Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest amid elevated fire risk

WENATCHEE — Campfire restrictions across the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest expanded on July 2 in response to increasing fire danger driven by continued hot, dry weather and worsening drought conditions.

The U.S. Forest Service announced the heightened restrictions last week, prohibiting all wood, charcoal, biomass, and other open-flame fires throughout the forest, including in designated campgrounds and Wilderness areas. The use of fireworks, exploding targets, and other incendiary devices remains illegal year-round on national forest lands.

“This year we are especially concerned due to the unseasonably dry conditions and no snowpack. Right now we are experiencing conditions that normally occur in late July,” said Deputy Fire Staff Officer Mike Davis. “We very much appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation as added restrictions have become necessary to reduce the threat of wildfires.”

Lower-elevation fuels have already dried out, increasing the risk that a single spark could ignite a rapidly spreading wildfire, the agency said. The National Weather Service’s extended outlook continues to predict drier-than-normal conditions for Central Washington.

Under the expanded restrictions, only pressurized liquid gas stoves with an on-off switch or valve are allowed for cooking or heating, and only when used in areas cleared of flammable material within a three-foot radius. These devices must also meet fire underwriter safety standards.

In addition to the campfire ban, the following activities are now prohibited forest-wide:

• Smoking, except in enclosed vehicles, buildings, designated campgrounds, or areas cleared of all flammable material within a three-foot diameter.
  
  
• Parking or driving vehicles off designated National Forest roads and trails, except for minimal travel over bare mineral soil to access dispersed campsites.
  
  
• Possessing, discharging, or using fireworks, explosives, or pyrotechnic devices.
  
  
• Target shooting or discharging a firearm, unless legally hunting.
  
  
• Violating any state law concerning burning or fire safety.
  
  

Initial campfire restrictions were put in place June 13. The July 2 expansion broadened those limitations to cover the entire forest as fire danger levels continue to rise.

Forest officials are urging the public, including woodcutters and recreationists, to check for the latest fire danger updates and restrictions before visiting. Information is available online at www.fs.usda.gov/r06/okanogan-wenatchee or through local ranger stations.

Forest managers say cooperation from visitors is essential to protect natural resources, public safety, and the efforts of firefighting personnel during what could become an active wildfire season.