News Release

Fire Season on the Olympic Peninsula

Date: June 26, 2019
Contact: Penny Wagner - Olympic National Park, 360-565-3005
Contact: Susan Garner - Olympic National Forest, 360-956-2390
Contact: Colton Whitworth - Mount Baker-Snoqualmie NF, 425-783-6050

Olympic 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