Citing recent dry conditions, Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest officials jointly instituted a ban on open fires, effective today.
“With the number of fires throughout the West, there are limited fire-fighting resources should a fire break out on the Peninsula,”‘ Park superintendent Dave Morris said.
The ban allows fires only in designated campgrounds. Fires are not allowed in the backcountry or at dispersed campgrounds along roads. Smoking is not allowed near vegetation, it is only allowed in vehicles, beaches and along roads.
Fires are only allowed below the high-tide line along National Park beaches.
Gas-powered stoves should be used with caution away from vegetation and forest litter.
Abandoned fires and smoke should be reported to the nearest ranger station or park headquarters at 360-565-3000.
