Wednesday June 26, 2019 09:57 PDT
Joint NPS-USFS News Release: Fire Season on the Olympic PeninsulaOlympic National Park, Olympic National Forest and Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in Moderate to Severe Drought; Above Normal Potential for Wildfire
Olympic National Park, Olympic National Forest and Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest are experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions. Temperature and precipitation outlooks continue to indicate warm, dry conditions extending through the summer season. This had led to above normal potential for significant fire activity.
Federal land managers are monitoring the situation closely and are prepared for an active fire season. There has been close communication and coordination with federal, state, and local resources to ensure prompt response to any reported fires.
If conditions continue to worsen, some level of fire restrictions will most likely be implemented. The purpose is to reduce the ignition potential during periods of high fire danger. These restrictions are coordinated amongst land managers to ensure clear communication to park and forest visitors.
The public is urged to be aware of the increasing fire danger and take precautions to ensure fire safety. Visitors to national parks and forests should always use caution to prevent human-caused wildfires. To reduce the risk, please consider the following:
· Fireworks are prohibited on federal public lands.
· Before going camping, learn of any fire restrictions in place and never leave a campfire unattended. Ensure campfires are completely out before leaving the camping area.
· If smoking, always dispose of cigarette debris in some type of an ashtray.
To report a fire dial 911. Updated fire danger and fire information will be posted on the park and forest websites.
How to Extinguish a Campfire: smokeybear.com/
Active Fire Information- Incident Information System: inciweb.nwcg.gov/
Olympic National Park information: www.nps.gov/olym/
Olympic National Forest information: www.fs.usda.gov/olympic
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest information: www.fs.usda.gov/mbs
State and county area burn bans: www.waburnbans.net
-NPS-
"I shall wear white flannel trousers, and walk upon the beach.
I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each."
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"I shall wear white flannel trousers, and walk upon the beach.
I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each."
Here's a link to WA DNR Industrial Fire Precaution Levels map.
Although no restrictions yet, expect restrictions as forests warm and dry through this summer.
Western Washington is in drought which is expected to persist (see NOAA Climate Prediction Center maps), as above average temperatures and below average precipitation are forecast. Campfire restrictions on state and Federal lands will follow, and this affects trail maintenance, too.
Most rivers in western WA are running ~1/3 of normal flow for this date (see USGS WaterWatch map), and at or well below 10% percentile flow for this date (consistent with a decadal to multi-decadal drought and low remaining snowpack). This may lead to delayed runs and fishing restrictions.
Let's enjoy the smoke-free air while we can...
"of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt" - John Muir
"the wild is not the opposite of cultivated. It is the opposite of the captivated” - Vandana Shiva
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"of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt" - John Muir
"the wild is not the opposite of cultivated. It is the opposite of the captivated” - Vandana Shiva
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