With the drought and wildfires continuing to tap firefighting resources in the Northwest, managers on the Olympic National Forest have re-visited the need for additional campfire restrictions.
Campfires continue to be prohibited in dispersed back country sites, as well as Lena Lake, Elkhorn, Campbell Tree Grove, and Littleton Horse Camp Campgrounds.
Campfires will, additionally, be prohibited in at the Klahanie Campground and Seal Rock Campground.
The Klahanie Campground is an unstaffed campground on the west side of the Peninsula, east of Forks. It is semi-remote off the beaten path without cell phone coverage. Combined with the existing vegetation, a fire start in this area could quickly spread without prompt notification and action.
The Seal Rock Campground is on the east side of the Peninsula, south of Quilcene. Although accessible from Highway 101, local emergency response could be untimely if a fire start is driven by winds from the Hood Canal. This is a particular concern for the adjacent homeowners.
This restriction will also align with that of the neighboring Dosewallips State Park.
Where not prohibited, campfires are only allowed in Forest Service installed metal fire rings within Forest Service campgrounds. Campfire must be kept inside the metal ring with flames not more than 12 inches above the rim of the fire ring.
These restrictions will remain in place until rescinded, after substantial and prolonged moisture. For more information contact Evelyn Morgan, Prevention, Olympic National Forest, 606-776-0604.
