OLYMPIA — Olympic National Forest has banned open campfires and smoking because of high fire danger.
The Forest Service announced the ban Wednesday, citing fire officials who said a long, persistently dry summer has created dangerously high fire conditions and that the National Weather Service predicts more dry conditions ahead.
Statewide, an outdoor burn ban is in effect until Sept. 30, with the only exceptions being recreational fires in pits approved by the state Department of Natural Resources at designated campgrounds.
In Olympic National Forest, wood and charcoal fires are allowed only in developed campgrounds and group campgrounds that have established concrete or steel-grated fire pits or rings.
Building and tending open campfires, including barbecues, cooking fires and warming fires are prohibited until further notice, the Forest Service said.
Permissible sources of cooking and heat are portable stoves or lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel.
Smoking is allowed only within enclosed vehicles, buildings and developed recreation sites.
Violators can be fined up to $5,000 and/or imprisoned for up to six months in jail.
Fires can be reported to the state wildland fire hotline at 800-562-6000.