This summer’s unusually warm and dry conditions led to many campsites restricting or altogether banning campfires. Now, at those sites east of I-5, campers can return to having campfires, as long as they do so carefully — wildfire season in Oregon is not over just yet.
On July 22, Oregon Department of Forestry enacted a ban on campfires as a reaction to an earlier-than-normal fire season and drought conditions that persisted throughout the state.
While lightning is a known cause of wildfires, humans are still responsible for causing the majority of them. According to the National Park Service, up to 85% of wildfires are caused by humans.
Jason Cox, spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Forestry, encourages campers to act responsibly around campfires:
“Never abandon a campfire and make sure that it’s dead out before you leave,” Cox said to KLCC. “And a good way to do that is drown it in water, stir it into the embers, and then repeat that process. That’s the best way to make sure that your campfire’s completely out before you leave.”
ODF and Oregon State Parks have both lifted the campfire bans on state parks and forests located east of I-5. However, local fire risk may result in individual parks upholding the ban.
Cox said, “And in terms of state parks, what we really encourage folks to do is check with the parks before you go, to see what fire restrictions might still be in place.”
Before you go for an autumn camping trip, check on fire restrictions to allow time for any necessary preparation or adjustments.
By Olivia Goodfriend
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