Campfire restrictions expanded forest-wide for Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Contact: Public Affairs Officer Victoria Wilkins, victoria.wilkins@usda.gov

July 1, 2025, Wenatchee, WA - Continued hot, dry weather and the increasing fire hazard has prompted the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest to expand campfire restrictions across the forest. Expanded campfire restrictions go into effect on July 2, 2025.

Fuels in lower elevation areas have already dried out and could easily spread a wildfire ignited by fireworks or exploding targets. Fireworks pose a substantial wildfire risk and should be left at home; fireworks are illegal in all national forests year-round. Also, the existing drought and extended forecast for drier than normal weather conditions may cause fire danger to increase and lead to a very active fire season.

The expanded restriction prohibits all wood, wood stove, and charcoal briquette fires, biomass/twig stoves, and other open flames forest-wide including campgrounds and Wilderness areas; however, the use of pressurized liquid gas stoves is an acceptable alternative, provided such devices are used in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable material within 3 feet of the device and meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety. The device must have a functioning on-off switch or valve that can extinguish the fire immediately.

In addition to the campfire ban, the following acts are also prohibited:

• Smoking is not allowed except within an enclosed vehicle, building, designated campground, or while standing in an area three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material

• Parking or driving a vehicle off National Forest roads and trails except minimum travel over bare mineral soil to access dispersed camping

• Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework, explosive, or pyrotechnic device; fireworks are prohibited year round

• Target shooting or discharging a firearm unless engaged in a lawful hunt

• Violating any state law concerning burning or fires

  
  

“This year we are especially concerned due to the unseasonably dry conditions and no snowpack. Right now we are experiencing conditions that normally occur in late July,” said Deputy Fire Staff Officer Mike Davis. “We very much appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation as added restrictions have become necessary to reduce the threat of wildfires.”

Woodcutters and recreationists are encouraged to stay in contact with Forest Service offices as the summer fire season progresses to obtain current information on fire danger and any restrictions on activities that may be in effect. This information is also available on the forest website (https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/okanogan-wenatchee). 

Initial restrictions on the use of campfires in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest went into effect June 13.