Local News

Campfire Restrictions for National Forest Lands in Okanogan County

Jun 26, 2015

Beginning Friday, June 26, campfire restrictions go into effect on National Forest Lands in Okanogan County. Wood and charcoal fires are allowed only in metal fire rings at designated campgrounds. Campfires within the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness’ are also allowed.

“Campfire restrictions such as these are put in place when the potential for wildfires increases due to higher temperatures, lower humidity levels and dry vegetation,” said Ron Riise, Fire Management Officer for the Tonasket Ranger District.

Under this campfire restriction, wood and charcoal fires are allowed only in designated campgrounds, designated Wilderness areas and specially designated sites. Briquette fires are not allowed in the restricted areas. Pressurized liquid gas stoves are still allowed.

These campfire restrictions will remain in effect until there is significant moisture to lower the fire danger.

“Another factor considered when a closure is put in place is availability of resources,” said Riise. “Both the Methow Valley and Tonasket Ranger Districts are well staffed with firefighters this year and the national preparedness level was increased to three (on a scale of 1-5) on Tuesday. The change was due to the elevated fire activity in Alaska and throughout the West. It’s an indicator that the demand for firefighters and firefighting resources is increasing.”

“Humans are the cause of more than 62,000 fires each year,” said Matt Desimone, Fire Management Officer for the Methow Valley Ranger District. “That’s six times the average number caused by lightning.”

Even where campfires are permitted, the fire and any source of flame, should be totally extinguished and cool to the touch before leaving the campsite,” said Desimone. “Use the metal campfire rings in the campgrounds, clear vegetation away from any flame sources, and do not build fires close to trees, stumps or roots. Keep a shovel and bucket of water close by too.”

In addition to campfire restrictions, woodcutters are reminded to check the industrial fire precaution levels each day before beginning work. Currently, most zones in Okanogan county require shutting down chainsaws at 1 p.m. and remaining in the area for one hour to watch for smoke. The levels change often and are available online at https://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/ifpl/IFPL.aspx or by calling 800-527-3305.

The Forest Service, other agencies and local residents all work together to effectively prepare for and reduce wildfire risks. Forest visitors can help by being watchful when in the woods; reporting suspicious smokes and putting out any abandoned campfires.

Fireworks are prohibited on National Forest lands at all times.

For additional information visit the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest web site at http://www.fs.usda.gov/okawen/ or contact the Tonasket or Methow Valley Ranger Districts at 509-486-2186 or 509-486-4000.

More Information:

Designated National Forest Campgrounds in Okanogan County where campfires are permitted include:

Methow Valley Ranger District:

Ballard, Black Pine Lake, Buck Lake, Camp 4, Chewuch, Early Winters, Falls Creek, Flat, Foggy Dew, Hart’s Pass, Honey Moon, JR, Klipchuck, Lone Fir, Loup Loup, Meadows, Mystery, Nice, Poplar Flat, River Bend, Road’s End, Ruffed Grouse, South Creek, Twisp River Horse Camp, War Creek and at the Brevicomis Tract Summer Homes.

Tonasket Ranger District:

Bonaparte Lake, Beaver Lake, Long Swamp, Oriole, Salmon Meadows, Lost Lake, Beth Lake, Crawfish Lake, Cottonwood, Kerr, Tiffany Springs, Fourteen Mile, Lyman Lake and at Summer Homes by permit.