Facing the risk of fires on both sides of the mountains at the same time will take more resources, including firefighters, fire engines and helicopters, Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark said in an interview with InvestigateWest.
Runoff from snowmelt from now until September is expected to be the lowest since the first official measurements were taken 64 years ago.ĭepartment of Natural Resources officials are requesting $4.5 million for “initial attack” efforts that they say could make the difference between a small, limited fire and one that rages out of control. Jay Inslee two weeks ago expanded a drought emergency declaration to cover nearly half the state.Īs of Friday, snowpack in the mountains stood at 17 percent of average, worse than the last drought declaration in 2005. The Department of Natural Resources is asking for extra money to ensure quick attacks against wildfires when they are small and to focus on reducing fire risks in the remaining forests.īut so far, the agency has received a rather cool response from the Legislature. Nearly a year later, state officials are bracing for a fierce new fire season, with hot, dry conditions they fear will bring new threats to Western Washington as well as Eastern Washington. But many considered themselves lucky to have survived the worst wildfire in Washington state history - to be known forever as the Carleton Complex fire, a merging of several lightning-sparked blazes near the towns of Carlton, Twisp and Winthrop. Escaping through dense smoke, families sought refuge from a firestorm that raged out of control for more than a week, spreading rapidly and eventually consuming more than 400 square miles.Īs the danger subsided, people went home - except for some 350 families who had no homes left.
Mt.As massive flames swirled in the hot, dry winds of July, thousands of people rushed away from their homes in forested areas of Okanogan County in north-central Washington. Persons who are found responsible for starting wildfires in the national forest are subject to payment of fire suppression costs.īecause of similar conditions in other areas of Washington State, visitors are encouraged to check with state or local fire protection agencies to determine other campfire restrictions.įor additional information, please contact the following agencies: Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.Ĭitations with maximum fines of $5,000 and/or six months in jail can be imposed on violators who are caught ignoring open campfire restrictions on federal lands. With the new ban on open fires, there will be no legal open fires in the North Cascades National Park Complex not in the Mt. The public is asked to be especially careful while visiting their public lands and to report all fires as soon as possible. Warm and dry weather returns on Sunday, and the heightened fire danger will continue. Slight rainfall and a cool day are predicted for Saturday, September 9, says Johnson, but, “It will not be a wetting rain that soaks into the tinder dry forest fuels. “Fires already burning in the West have taken down our reserve of firefighters and equipment.” “In addition to continued dry, warm conditions, we lack firefighting personnel and equipment to tackle new wildfires which could threaten lives and property,” said Kelly Bush, Acting Chief Ranger, North Cascades National Park Complex. “Lack of significant rain has caused us to impose these open fire restrictions, in the interest of protecting the forest from human-caused wildfires, and to protect people who are visiting the forest.” “This is the longest summer dry-spell we have had in memory,” says Dave Johnson, Fire Staff, Mt. This new order bans campfires in campgrounds.Īlso, visitors must not burn toilet paper in field latrine holes, a problem in past years when misguided hikers have thought to be an appropriate action to take. There is currently a ban on open fires that allows campfires in designated campgrounds. Wood or charcoal briquette fires are not allowed in any kind of fire pan or barbeque device. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and the North Cascades National Park Complex.Ĭampers can use pressurized-gas and liquid-fuel camp stoves and lanterns in designated campgrounds and picnic areas, and in wilderness areas. Mountlake Terrace, WA - Effective Midnight, Thursday, September 07, 2006, all open fires, including campfires in campgrounds, are banned in the Mt.
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