Local News

Campfire Restrictions Reduced

Sep 16, 2015

Campfire Restrictions Reduced
September 16, 2015 — 3:45 p.m.

Wenatchee, WA—Starting September 18, campfire restrictions will be reduced on national forest lands in most areas of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Currently, campfires are allowed in congressionally designated wilderness areas in the forest. On Friday, campfires will also be allowed in metal or cement fire rings in most developed campgrounds that are open to public use on all Okanogan-Wenatchee N.F. ranger districts except for the Naches Ranger District. The reduction in campfire restrictions is due to recent weather changes and cooler nighttime temperatures.

Campfires will also be allowed in most summer home sites and other areas under special use permits.

"Although campfire restrictions have been reduced, fire danger remains high,” said Deputy Fire Staff Officer Matt Castle. “Forest visitors are asked to be careful with their use of fire in these areas, to make sure their campfires are completely extinguished before leaving their campsite, and to report any unattended fires by calling 911."

Conditions remain dry in most lower elevation areas of the Naches Ranger District. Campfire restrictions in these areas will be reassessed as weather conditions change.

For more information about campgrounds where campfires are allowed, please contact individual ranger district offices:

Tonasket Ranger District 509-486-2186
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, and Naches Ranger District 509-653-1401
Okanogan-Wenatchee NF Public Affairs Officer Cathy Dowd, 509-664-9314
Okanogan-Wenatchee NF Public Affairs Specialist Robin DeMario, 509-664-9292