Olympic National Forest report

The Olympic National Forest banned open campfires and smoking until further notice starting on Thursday, Sept. 20.  

According to fire officials, a long persistent dry summer has created dangerously high fire conditions and the National Weather Service predicts more dry conditions ahead.

Wood and charcoal fires are only allowed in developed campgrounds and group campgrounds that have established concrete or steel-grated fire pits or rings.  Building and tending open campfires, including barbecues, cooking fires, and warming fires are prohibited until further notice.  

Permissible sources of cooking and heat are portable stoves, or lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel.  Smoking is allowed within enclosed vehicles, buildings, and developed recreation sites.  Violators can be fined up to $5,000 and/or imprisoned up to six months in jail. 

Report fires to the Washington wildland fire hotline at (800) 562-6000.