alanh

I was reading an article in the Seattle Times about fires in the NW and saw that campfire restrictions are in effect in WA state. If you're planning on attending the PNW Yota Jam, or camping in the area, you'll want to be aware of the restrictions and plan accordingly. Here is the text from one of the Nat. Forest sites...

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News Release
Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests
Thursday, July 24, 2003 ----- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact for Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests:
Paul Hart 509-662-4314
or Marti Ames 509-662-4324

Campfire Restrictions Now in Effect for Okanogan and Wenatchee Forests and Western Washington

Effective 8 a.m. Friday, July 25, open campfire restrictions will go into effect in all undeveloped areas – including wilderness areas – of federal and state public lands west of the Cascade mountains in Washington, as well as the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests east of the Cascade crest.

Under the restrictions, wood and charcoal fires are allowed only in designated campgrounds that have established concrete or steel grated fire stoves. Outside these areas, pressurized gas camp stoves and lanterns using jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed. Restrictions are in effect until further notice.

The campfire restrictions are in place for the following agencies: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Olympic National Forest, Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests, Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, and the Olympic National Park. Campfire restrictions are also in place for lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Northwest Region, DNR South Puget Sound Region, DNR Olympic Region, DNR Southwest Region, and DNR Central Region.

In the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, campfires are only permitted in designated fire pits with grates. The park complex includes North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area (NRA), and Lake Chelan NRA. There is a complete open flame closure (including briquettes and firewood) in the portion of Lake Chelan NRA and the adjacent North Cascades National Park that includes the lakeside and valley bottom camps from Flick Creek to High Bridge.

Managers of these public land agencies are concerned about the continued hot, dry weather conditions, which are increasing the fire danger. This could be an especially troublesome fire season in the Olympics and west slope of the Cascades because of the types of fuels and steep terrain. The public is asked to be especially careful while visiting their public lands and to report all fires as soon as possible.

Citations with maximum fines of $5,000 and/or six months in jail can be imposed on violators who are caught ignoring open campfire restrictions on federal lands. Persons responsible for starting wildfires in the national forest are subject to payment of fire suppression costs.

Because of similar conditions in other areas of Washington State, visitors are encouraged to check with state or local fire protection agencies to determine other campfire restrictions.
For additional information, please contact the following agencies:

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs
425-775-9702

Olympic National Forest
www.fs.fed.us/r6/olympic
360-956-2402
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
www.fs.fed.us/gpnf
360-891-5000

Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests
www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee
509-662-4335

North Cascades National Park Complex
www.nps.gov/noca
360-856-5700

Mount Rainier National Park
www.nps.gov/mora
360-569-2211, ext. 2334
Olympic National Park
www.nps.gov/olym
360-565-3130

Washington State Department of Natural Resources
www.dnr.wa.gov (click on Fire Information, and then Fire Danger in Your County)
360-902-1009