Hood River, Ore., July 6, 2023 – Due to dry and hot conditions, campfires are prohibited across both the Mt. Hood National Forest and Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, beginning Monday, July 10, 2023.
All campfires, charcoal or briquette fires, pellet fires, or any other open fires are prohibited under a Forest Order, including in developed campgrounds. Portable cooking stoves, lanterns, and heating devices using liquefied or bottled fuel, such as propane, are still allowed as they can be instantly switched off. Additionally, target shooting is temporarily prohibited because of the risk of wildfire.
Over the last week Fire Danger Indices have quickly risen, following rain and cooler temperatures in mid-June. Fire personnel anticipate drought and the potential for fires will continue to remain high or increase through September. With the current dry and warm long-range forecast, any wildfire start poses a greater threat to firefighter safety, public safety, and personal property.
“With the Tunnel Five Fire west of White Salmon, and our fire fighters responding to a higher-than-average number of new starts, it’s safe to say that fire season is here,” said Casey Gatz, Acting Agency Administrator for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. “We ask both visitors and residents to take these restrictions seriously and to remain vigilant this summer in order to ensure our public lands are protected and preserved.”
More wildfire information and the full text of the Forest Order is at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/crgnsa/fire
For more information about the local and regional fire outlook visit: https://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/predict/outlook.aspx
And remember, fireworks and other explosive devices are always prohibited on national forests.
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