Mount Hood National Forest, Columbia Gorge outlaw campfires
Campfires and any open flames will be outlawed in Mount Hood National Forest and the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area beginning Monday.
The declaration follows two months of dry and hot conditions across the state that have brought wildfire danger to high levels already this season.
The ban includes within fire rings of developed campgrounds.
“With a dry summer ahead, we want to limit the unnecessary risk caused by abandoned or escaped campfires to our local communities and forest visitors,” said Dirk Shupe, fire management officer for Mount Hood National Forest. “We’re grateful for the vast majority of folks who take fire safety seriously and help us protect our public lands.”
All campfires, charcoal or briquette fires, pellet fires, or any other open fires are prohibited, a news release said. Portable cooking stoves, lanterns, and heating devices using liquefied or bottled fuel, such as propane, are still allowed as they can be instantly switched off.
Target shooting is temporarily prohibited because of the risk of wildfire.
“Fire personnel anticipate drought and the potential for fires will continue to remain high or increase through September,” a news release said. “With the current dry and warm long-range forecast, any wildfire start poses a greater threat to firefighter safety, public safety, and personal property.”
Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 15 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. Urness is the author of “Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon” and “Hiking Southern Oregon.” He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or 503-399-6801. Find him on Twitter at @ZachsORoutdoors.
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Mount Hood National Forest, Columbia Gorge outlaw campfires
