OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST REPORT

The Olympic and Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forests are enforcing the following fire restrictions:

– Smoking – smoking is prohibited outdoors. Smoking is allowed inside personal vehicles, buildings or developed recreation sites and areas cleared and barren at least three feet in diameter.

– Campfires – campfires, including wood and charcoal fires, are prohibited except in developed campgrounds or picnic sites where established concrete or steel fire pits exist. Gas grills are also permitted in these areas. Portable stoves and lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed in undeveloped camping areas.

Dry fuel conditions combined with weather forecasts for warm, dry and unstable conditions through the weekend prompted the restrictions, according to Tony Engel, fire management officer for the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.  “We expect unseasonably warm and dry conditions through the weekend,” he said.  "These restrictions will help reduce the threat of human-caused fires," added David Bauman, fire management officer at Olympic National Forest. 

For more information go to www.fs.usda.gov/olympic.