Olympic National Park has instituted a ban on all open fires in the park’s wilderness backcountry, including all locations along the wilderness coast.

Beginning today, June 25, at 7:00 a.m., campfires will be permitted only in established fire grates at established frontcountry campgrounds. The burn restriction will remain in place until further notice.

“With the driest May and June on record and staff already committed to suppression of the Paradise Fire, we are enacting this fire restriction to conserve our firefighting resources and to help prevent additional fires,” said Olympic National Park Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum.

Camp stoves may still be used in the park’s wilderness backcountry, but should be operated well away from flammable vegetation and forest litter. Creachbaum urges extreme caution with any open flame.

People are urged to notify the nearest ranger station or Olympic National Park headquarters at (360) 565-3000 to report abandoned campfires or smoke within the park. This ban has been instituted in conjunction with the Olympic National Forest.

For updates and details about the Paradise Fire, people should visit InciWeb, the Incident Information Website at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4305/