Individual parks may still have fire restrictions, depending on conditions
OLYMPIA – Sept. 4, 2015 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission today announced that campfires will be allowed in state parks in Western Washington and ocean beaches in the Seashore Conservation Area beginning tomorrow, Sept. 5. Western Washington is considered the region west of the crest of the Cascade Mountain range.
Now allowed in Western Washington state parks are wood and charcoal campfires and propane campfire pits. However, State Parks wants the public to know that park managers have the discretion to restrict campfires in these campgrounds based on their assessment of conditions, which may change quickly. Campfires are allowed in approved fire pits only. Park managers also may require smaller fires than are normally acceptable.
Washington State Parks urges campers to not to be complacent about wet weather and to make sure they completely douse their campfires.
The easing of the burn ban follows today’s announcement by the Commissioner of Public Lands and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that adjusted the current statewide burn ban allowing for recreational campfires in western Washington. That agency has fire protection responsibility for nearly 13 million acres statewide, including most state parks.
The burn ban continues for state parks in Eastern Washington as dry conditions and wildfires are still an issue. Some Eastern Washington state parks now allow gas- or propane-powered campfire pits—in addition to cook stoves—on a case-by-case basis. The public is encouraged to visit the individual state parks pages to find out particular campfire restrictions: http://www.parks.wa.gov/281/Parks
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Seashore Conservation Area
Washington State Parks manages the Washington State Seashore Conservation Area (SCA), which extends along most of Washington’s outer coastline, excluding Indian Reservation and National Park lands. The SCA includes the areas between Cape Disappointment and Leadbetter Point; between Toke Point and the South jetty on Point Chehalis; and between Damon Point and Moclips; and occupying the area between the line of ordinary high tide and the line of extreme low tide.
About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Media contact:
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
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