Everett, WA, July 30, 2009 – The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest bans open campfires and restricts smoking beginning today.
“We need to take precautions for public safety,” said Forest Supervisor Rob Iwamoto. “These steps are based on weather projections and conditions on the ground.” Fuel moisture has been at historic lows and the National Weather Service predicts more hot and dry conditions ahead.
Wood and charcoal fires are only allowed in developed campgrounds that have established concrete or steel grated fire pits or rings. Campers can use portable stoves or lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel sources for cooking or heat outside of designated campgrounds. Smoking is allowed within enclosed vehicles, buildings and developed recreation sites. Violators can be fined up to $5,000 and/ or imprisoned up to six months in jail.
A list of campgrounds where fires are permitted is at:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/conditions/2009-campfire-restrictions.shtml <http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/conditions/2009-campfire-restrictions.shtml> .
Because of similar conditions in other areas of Washington, visitors are encouraged to check with state or local fire protection agencies to determine other campfire restrictions.
For information about fires on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest go to InciWeb, Wildland Fire and Incident Information System at http://www.inciweb.org/forest/53/ <http://www.inciweb.org/forest/53/> .
Northwest Interagency Coordination Center provides general fire information at http://www.nwccweb.us/ <http://www.nwccweb.us/> .
Report fires to the Washington wildland fire hotline at 800-562-6010.
Fires are allowed in the following developed campgrounds:Campground Name Ranger District
Campgrounds: Douglas Fir Mt. Baker
Mineral Park Mt. Baker
Silver Fir Mt. Baker
Shannon Creek Mt. Baker
Boulder Creek Mt. Baker
Park Creek Mt. Baker
Panorama Point Mt. Baker
Horseshoe Cove Mt. Baker
Marble Creek Mt. Baker
Turlo Darrington
Verlot Darrington
Gold Basin Darrington
Clear Creek Darrington
Bedal Darrington
Red Bridge Darrington
Buck Creek Darrington
Sulpher Creek Darrington
San Juan Skykomish
Troublesome Skykomish
Money Creek Skykomish
Beckler River Skykomish
Denny Creek Snoqualmie
Tinkham Snoqualmie
Middle Fork Snoqualmie
The Dalles Snoqualmie
Silver Springs Snoqualmie
Denny Creek Snoqualmie
Corral Pass Snoqualmie
Ranger Creek Snoqualmie
Evans Creek Campground Snoqualmie
Campground Name Ranger District
Group Camping/Campgrounds: Boulder Creek Mt. Baker
Excelsior Mt. Baker
Horseshoe Cove Mt. Baker
Bayview Mt. Baker
Boardman Darrington
Gold Basin Darrington
Beaver Creek Darrington
Coal Creek Darrington
Esswine Darrington
Marten Creek Darrington
Tulalip Millsite Darrington
Wiley Creek Darrington
Miller River Skykomish
Fire Restrictions in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
AAI just received the following email from Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest: