NEWS17-051 | Media contacts: Virginia Painter, (360) 902-8562
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604 |
Park visitors encouraged to check ahead for possible campfire restrictions
OLYMPIA – July 31, 2017 – With the potential for record-breaking heat across the state this week, Washington State Parks urges campers to be extra cautious with campfires and to be aware of the possibility of campfire restrictions in some state parks.
As temperatures rise and dry conditions persist, the risk for wildfire increases. Campers and visitors to state parks should check ahead before heading out to learn what—if any—restrictions might be in place, so they can plan accordingly. Fire restrictions for all three regions—Eastern, Northwest and Southwest—are posted on the Parks’ website:
People can also visit a specific park web page and follow the link to “Burn Ban List” on the right-hand side of each page. Parks staff make every attempt to update this list weekly, at a minimum. But people should be aware that because conditions can change rapidly, campfire restrictions can change at any time.
Summer campfire restrictions are established by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and local fire districts. Park managers have the discretion to place additional restrictions on campfires in certain areas of parks where they believe there is increased fire danger.
Washington State Parks campfire restrictions fall into five levels. In addition to parks in which fires are never allowed.
For more information about fire danger ratings in each county, visit the “Fire Danger and Outdoor Burning” page on the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website.
Whether people are camping in eastern or western Washington and if campfires are allowed, conditions are dry everywhere, so it’s important be safe and to follow DNR’s guidelines for Wildfire Prevention.
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at http://adventureawaits.com/
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
1111 Israel Road S.W.
P.O. Box 42650
Olympia, WA 98504-2650
Washington Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388