Campfires now banned in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

NCW - Continuing hot, dry weather, and worsening fire danger conditions have prompted forest officials to expand campfire restrictions across the entire Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Stage 2 Fire Restrictions went into effect on Friday, August 18, banning campfires across the forest, including developed campgrounds and designated Wilderness areas.

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

"This season we have seen a concerning increase in human-caused fires. Public cooperation is needed to help prevent new starts as hot and dry conditions continue across the forest,” said Fire Management Officer Kyle Cannon. "Critical fire weather conditions are forecast through the weekend and any new starts will have potential to get large quickly in these conditions.”

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions also prohibit recreational (target) shooting on the forest. The shooting restriction does not impact lawful hunting under tribal treaty rights or with a valid state-issued license during hunting season.

Visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/fire-restrictions for details on current restrictions. Firewood cutters must also comply with Industrial Fire Precaution Level requirements found at fortress.wa.gov/dnr/protection/ifpl/.