News Release

Favorable weather conditions allow Olympic National Park to return to standard fire regulations

Date: September 19, 2024
Contact: Public Affairs Office, 360-565-3005

Port Angeles, Wash. - Due to sustained improvements in weather conditions, Olympic National Park has lifted temporary fire restrictions. Campfires and wood-burning camp stoves are now allowed below the 3,500-foot elevation. Campers are still required by law to stay with their campfire from start to finish. 

“It’s important to remember that we’re still in fire season on the Olympic Peninsula,” said Interagency Fire Management Officer Jeff Bortner. “Our community has been doing a great job at checking the fire restrictions and staying flexible. We need to continue adapting our plans as fire danger changes to help prevent unwanted fires.” 

Under current campfire regulations: 

• Fires may only be built within established rings, stoves, grills, or fireplaces below the 3,500-foot elevation.   
• On ocean beaches, fires may not be kindled closer than 10 feet to the nearest beach logs. Fires may not exceed 3 feet in diameter. Campfires and wood-burning camp stoves are not allowed on the coast between the headland at Wedding Rocks and the headland north of Yellow Banks.  
• Open fires are prohibited in the following backcountry areas: 
  • Parkwide above 3500’ elevation 
  • The South Ozette Loop from the headland at Wedding Rocks south to the headland at the north end of Yellow Banks 
  • The Olympic Hot Springs area including the Boulder Creek camp area 
  • From 1/4 mile north of Elk Lake (Martin Creek) to, and including, Glacier Meadows and above, to include the lateral moraine/Blue Glacier 

Following just a few simple steps can help prevent wildfires. Remember: 

Keep campfires small  
A campfire is less likely to escape control if it is kept small. A large fire may cast hot embers long distances. Add firewood in small amounts as existing material is consumed.  

Ensure your fire is dead out before leaving  
Extinguish all campfires before leaving – even if gone for a short period of time. If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave. Bring a shovel and a bucket of water to extinguish any escaped embers. When you are ready to leave, drown all embers with water, stir the coals, and drown again. Repeat until the fire is DEAD out.  

Attend your campfire at all times  
A campfire left unattended for even a few minutes can grow into a costly, damaging wildfire. Stay with your campfire from start to finish, as required by law. This ensures any escaped sparks or embers can be extinguished quickly. Call 911 to report the illegal use of fireworks or unsafe fire use.   

Additional wildland fire safety information can be found at: Wildfire Prevention | National Interagency Fire Center (nifc.gov).