Campfires will be banned in Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park beginning Friday as hot, dry conditions continue to elevate wildfire danger, feder
Campfires will be banned in Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park beginning Friday as hot, dry conditions continue to elevate wildfire danger, federal officials announced.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, the ban takes effect at 12 a.m. Friday and applies to all campfires, including charcoal grills and any device that produces ash.
Officials said gas or propane stoves, lanterns and heating devices will still be allowed in campgrounds and wilderness areas as long as there is no flammable material within 3 feet of the device. The equipment must have an on-off switch or valve capable of immediately extinguishing the flame.
Hot and dry conditions persist, resulting in a very high fire danger," Olympic National Forest Interagency Fire Management Officer Jeff Bortner said in a news release. "With multiple challenging active incidents in the Northwest, it is especially important to prevent new human-caused fires.
Officials encouraged campers and visitors to follow fire safety rules as wildfire danger remains high.
Officials reminded the public that:
- Fireworks are always prohibited on federal public lands.
- Campers should check for any new fire restrictions before heading out.
- Drivers should avoid parking vehicles in dry brush.
- Cigarette butts should always be disposed of in an ashtray.
- Anyone who spots a new wildfire is asked to call 911.
The campfire ban comes as firefighters across Washington and the Pacific Northwest continue battling multiple large wildfires fueled by hot, dry weather.
