Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Reduces Campfire Ban

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News Release
Media contact: Robin DeMario, 509-664-9292

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Reduces Campfire Ban

Wenatchee, WA (September 16, 2021) – Beginning Friday, September 17, campfire restrictions will be reduced across the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This means that forest visitors may once again enjoy campfires within campfire rings in developed and designated campgrounds, or in organizational camps, recreation residences, and resorts under a special use permit, and in Wilderness Areas.

Normal year-round restrictions remain in effect prohibiting campfires within a half mile of some Wilderness Area lakes. Campfires are not permitted in some higher elevation locations above 5,000 feet within some wilderness areas. Please call individual ranger stations for specific information about these locations.

Shorter daylight hours, cooler temperatures and some precipitation in the Cascades prompted us to allow campfires again. Even though restrictions have been lessened, there is still a risk for wildland fires. As we begin to receive fall rainstorms, there is often a sense that the fire danger has passed. However, as the warmer and drier temperatures return next week, it won’t take long for the finer fuels to dry out. The heavier fuels won’t see good moisture recovery until we get significantly more precipitation, so we could still see increased fire activity.

Please remember, every precaution should be taken to ensure a campfire does not become a wildfire. Forest visitors should use an established fire pit or campfire ring in campgrounds, clear flammable materials from around the pit, and keep the fire small. Do not leave campfires unattended and make sure it is dead out and cold to the touch before leaving.

Woodcutters are encouraged to know the industrial fire precaution level (IFPL) for the area where woodcutting will occur. Most IFPL zones are at level 2 which limits certain woodcutting activities to between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. For additional IFPL information see the Washington State Department of Natural Resources page: https://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/protection/ifpl/ .

For more information, please see the forest website https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UOwrBxe ... -KoP5SkA== or contact individual ranger district offices.

Methow Valley Ranger District, 509-996-4000
Chelan Ranger District, 509-682-4900
Entiat Ranger District, 509-784-4700
Wenatchee River Ranger District, 509-548-2550
Cle Elum Ranger District, 509-852-1100
Naches Ranger District, 509-653-1401

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