Local News

Woodcutting permits again available at Forest Service offices in Okanogan County

Sep 19, 2017

Due to the recent change in weather conditions, with colder nights and some precipitation, woodcutting restrictions will be reduced to Industrial Fire Precaution Level II in zones 678W and 684 on Wednesday, September 20. To go along with this change, firewood cutting permits will again be available for purchase at the Tonasket and Methow Valley Ranger District offices and at the Forest Service office at the Omak Visitor Center.

“We want to thank the public for being patient during the time that these permits have not been on sale,” said Tonasket District Ranger Matt Reidy. “People have been very diligent in their fire prevention efforts which has limited the number of human caused fires.”

Industrial Fire Precaution Level II means that firewood cutters and industrial operators in the Forest are restricted to morning hours of operation only, and must shut down chainsaws and other equipment by 1 p.m. Following equipment shut down, a one-hour fire watch must be maintained.

“We will resume selling permits today at the Methow Valley Ranger District office, and local vendors will sell them starting September 20,” said Methow Valley District Ranger Mike Liu. “The recent weather changes have helped moderate fire behavior and led to a reduction in the Industrial Fire Precaution Levels, but the larger fuels are still extremely dry, so it is important to comply with the saw shutdown time and to maintain the one hour fire watch requirements under Level II fire precautions,” Liu said.

For current Industrial Fire Precaution Level information and a map of the zones, go to http://www.dnr.wa.gov/ifpl .

For additional information visit the forest web page at www.fs.usda.gov/okawen or call the Okanogan-Wenatchee NF Headquarters office at 509-664-9200. Please observe all campfire restrictions and remember that fireworks and exploding targets are never allowed on National Forests.