PORT ANGELES — All campfires are prohibited in Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest beginning today.
The prohibition applies to anything that produces ash, including charcoal grills, the national park stated in a press release.
Gas or propane stoves, lanterns or heating devices are permitted in campgrounds and wilderness areas if there is no flammable material within 3 feet of the device, the national park said. Those stoves must be equipped with an on-off switch or valve capable of immediately extinguishing the flame.
Extreme caution is urged with any open flame, the national park said.
“Hot and dry conditions persist resulting in a very high fire danger,” said Jeff Bortner, the interagency fire management officer. “With multiple challenging active incidents on the Peninsula, it is especially important to prevent new human-caused fires.”
Fireworks are always prohibited on federal public lands.
Before camping, the national park advises to check for new restrictions that might be in place.
The agency also encourages visitors to maintain their vehicles and avoid parking in the brush, and to dispose of cigarette butts in an ashtray.
New fires should be reported to 911.
