Fire Restrictions take effect on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest July 12

Beginning Friday, July 12, 2024, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest is prohibiting open campfires across the forest. Fires will only be allowed in metal fire pits or rings in designated recreation sites.

Under this fire restriction, wood and charcoal fires are only allowed in designated campgrounds and picnic areas that have established metal fire pits or rings. Building and tending open fires, including charcoal briquettes, cooking fires, and warming fires are prohibited until further notice. Portable cooking stoves, lanterns and heating devices using liquified or bottled fuel, such as propane, are still allowed as they can be easily switched off. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a designated campground, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material is also prohibited. Violators can be fined up to $5,000 and/or imprisoned up to six months in jail.

Even where campfires are permitted, make sure fires are totally extinguished and cool to the touch before leaving the site. Use the metal campfire rings in the campgrounds, clear vegetation away from any flame sources, and keep a shovel and bucket of water close by.

Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) 2 also goes into effect on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest July 12. Restrictions on firewood cutting, timber operations, and other industrial operations performed on national forest lands will be required to follow IFPL 2 requirements. Included in these requirements are a prohibition on chainsaw use between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and the need to maintain a fire watch of at least one hour following the use of a chainsaw.

Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire or charcoal fire is authorized only in the following designated campgrounds:

Cowlitz Valley Ranger District