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Abandoned campfires continue to occur in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Almost daily, firefighters are putting out abandoned and escaped campfires across the forest.
Before leaving home, always check to find out what the campfire restrictions are for the area you plan to visit. Currently, varying campfire restrictions are in effect for all areas of the Wenatchee portion of the 4 million acre national forest.
Over the August 14-15 weekend, over 50 citations were written for illegal campfires on the Cle Elum Ranger District, and some of these forest visitors were cited twice for rebuilding a campfire after they were told to put their fires out. The minimum fine for an illegal campfire is $225. According to Forest Service law enforcement personnel, almost all of those cited knew about the campfire restrictions but built a campfire anyway. In most cases their response when asked why they had a fire was, “camping isn’t camping without a fire.”
It is very unfortunate that so many forest visitors do not understand the importance of abiding by campfire restrictions. Not only do they pay monetarily for violating regulations, but all American taxpayers pay when an abandoned campfire becomes a raging wildfire.
Ultimately, a person who leaves an abandoned campfire that becomes a wildfire can be liable for all fire suppression costs, which can run into millions of dollars.
Campfires (in areas where allowed) are one of the pleasures of camping in the woods. But along with the cozy campfire is the responsibility to make sure it is COMPLETELY out before leaving the campsite. Don’t let your campfire become a wildfire!
In areas where campfires are allowed, please follow these suggestions when building your campfire.
• Use an existing fire ring, don’t create a new one. When not in a designated campground, in a Wilderness area for example, build your fire within a ring of rocks.
• Clear all vegetation away from the fire ring (remove all flammable materials, such as needles, leaves, sticks, etc.).
• Select an open level spot away from trees, logs, stumps, overhanging branches, dense dry grass, and forest litter.
• Keep your campfire small.
• Keep plenty of water and a shovel nearby for throwing dirt on the fire if it gets out of control.
• Never leave a campfire unattended!
When putting out your campfire you should:
• First, drown the campfire with water.
• Next, mix the ashes and embers with soil. Scrape all partially-burned sticks and logs to make sure all the hot embers are off them.
• Stir the embers after they are covered with water and make sure everything is wet.
• Feel the coals, embers, and any partially-burned wood with your hands. Everything (including the rock fire ring) should be cool to the touch. Move the rocks, feel under them to make sure no embers are underneath. Make sure roots are not burning.
• When you think you are done, take an extra minute and add more water. Stir the remains, add more water, and stir again.
• If you don’t have water, use moist dirt. Be careful not to bury any hot or burning material as it can smolder and later start a wildfire.
• Finally, check the entire campsite for possible sparks or embers, because it only takes one to start a forest fire.
Remember…if it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.
Escaped campfires are the second leading cause of wildfires in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Please take the time to completely put out your campfire. Remember, a little extra care takes only a few minutes of your time and it could prevent a wildfire. For more information on campfire restrictions, please contact the nearest Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest office.
© Copyright 2006 by North Cascades Broadcasting, Inc
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