OLYMPIA — There will be no more campfires in the national park until further notice.
All campfires will be prohibited in Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park starting Friday, August 1. This applies to anything that produces ash, including charcoal grills.
Gas or propane stoves, lanterns, or heating devices are permitted in campgrounds and wilderness areas if there is no flammable material within three feet of the device. These stoves must be equipped with an on-off switch or valve capable of immediately extinguishing the flame. Extreme caution is urged with any open flame.
Interagency Fire Management Officer Jeff Bortner said in a news release that hot and dry conditions persist, resulting in a very high fire danger, and with multiple challenging, active fires on the Peninsula it is especially important to prevent new human-caused fires.
Officials are asking everyone to help prevent human-caused wildfires by remembering the following:
- Fireworks are always prohibited on federal public lands.
- Before going camping, check for new restrictions that may be in place.
- Maintain your vehicle and avoid parking in brush.
- Always dispose of cigarette debris in an ashtray.
If you see a new fire, report it to 911.