Willamette National Forest bans campfires, open flames due to heat, lightning forecast

Willamette National Forest has banned all campfires as wildfire danger grows and numerous fires are already burning on the 1.6 million acre federal forest east of Salem and Eugene.

Previously, campfires were only allowed in designated campgrounds, but now, they're not allowed anywhere due to "hot, dry temperatures and the possibility of lightning in the forecast," a news release said.

The new restrictions are in effect through Nov. 30 but are traditionally dropped earlier once the autumn rains arrive.

"All campfires, charcoal or briquette fires, pellet fires, or any other open fires are prohibited across the forest under the new restrictions," the news release said. "Portable cooking stoves and lanterns using liquefied or bottled fuel are still allowed as they can be instantly switched off."

There are currently five major wildfires and wildfire complexes on the Willamette National Forest that have resulted in large swaths of the forest being closed.

In addition to the campfire ban, restrictions are also in effect for smoking, off-highway vehicles and chainsaws in campgrounds. Smoking is not allowed except within an enclosed vehicle, building or a developed recreation site. Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame is also not allowed.

"Please be aware of current restrictions and share information with others who may be unaware of the restrictions," the news release said.

Updates on fire restrictions can be found at fs.usda.gov/main/willamette/fire .

The federal agency also wrote in the release that e-bikes are allowed on roads and trails designated for motorized vehicles.

Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 16 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast . Urness is the author of “ Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon ” and “ Hiking Southern Oregon .” He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6801. Find him on X at @ZachsORoutdoors.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Willamette National Forest bans campfires, open flames due to heat, lightning forecast