Due to hot and dry conditions that are intensifying the risk of wildfires, fire managers have issued restrictions on all campfires, smoking, and other activities within the forest. These restrictions begin today, August 16, 2023.

All campfires, charcoal or briquette fires, pellet fires, or any other open fires are prohibited under a Forest Order, including in developed campgrounds. 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.

The fire danger level across the Gifford Pinchot National Forest was raised from High to Very High on August 14. This means that fires can start easily, spread rapidly, and increase quickly in intensity.

“With the warm weather and dry vegetation, the risk for wildfires is above normal,” said Dirk Shupe, Fire Management Staff Officer. “The Forest has seen a significant increase in human-caused wildfires compared to previous years. Any wildfire start presents a danger to firefighter safety, public safety, and personal property. We want to minimize that risk by asking everyone to do their part.”

Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will also change on Aug. 16, from IFPL 2 to IFPL 3 for zone 660 which covers the southern part of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The IFPL for zone 659 S, on the northern portion of the Forest, will remain at level 2. Learn more about IFPL levels:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/gp/ifpl. View a map of IFPL zones on the Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd932122.jpg.

For Forest wildfire information and the full text of the Forest Order, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/giffordpinchot/fire.

For more information about the local and regional fire outlook please visit: https://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/predict/outlook.aspx.