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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Heat wave prompts campfire restrictions

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest fire ban starts today

Quick as a wink, the woods have gone from damp to dry and some national forests are enacting campfire restrictions. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest today announced campfire restrictions that start immediately in many areas outside of developed campgrounds. Wood and charcoal fires are allowed only in designated campgrounds with fire rings, with some exceptions. “A cool and wet spring delayed our local fire season, but summer has arrived and hot, dry conditions have cured fire fuels in our area,” said Michelle Ellis, Fire Management Division Chief for the Wenatchee River District. “We try to avoid implementing campfire restrictions in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest until absolutely necessary, but with very dry weather and high temperatures forecasted, we ask people to help reduce the potential threat of wildfire.”