Wildfire threats cause campfire bans at some state parks

The increasingly dry conditions in Oregon’s forests and grasslands, partially to blame for a rash of nearly a dozen large wildfires across the state, are now impacting state parks as well.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department announced Tuesday, July 23, it has banned campfires at most state parks in response to the dry conditions, threatening wildfires and the strain on firefighter resources as the season progresses.

Campfires have been banned at all state parks east of the Cascade Mountains due to low humidity and the risk of wildfires. They are also restricted at some coastal parks and in high-risk areas across the state until conditions improve. Included locally are Champoeg State Heritage Area southeast of Newberg and L.L. Stub Stewart Park northwest of Forest Grove.

“We understand that campfires are an important part of the experience at Oregon State Parks,” JR Collier, OPRD’s deputy of statewide operations, said in a release. “We don’t make the decision lightly to restrict the use of fire, but unfortunately conditions require that response. The decision is made in consultation with our local fire agencies. Thank you for helping us do our part to reduce the risk of any new wildfires.”

The campfire restrictions, in general, ban open flames but sometimes exceptions are made for propane cook stoves where the flame is contained. The OPRD advised checking individual state park web pages at www.stateparks.oregon.gov to find details on restrictions before visiting.

A number of state parks have been closed entirely in response to wildfires. They include Battle Mountain Forest State Scenic Corridor, Farewell Bend State Recreation Area, East and West Hatfield Trailheads on the Columbia River Highway State Trail and Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor. Closings can be monitored by visiting www.stateparks.oregon.gov .

In addition, some roads and highways leading to state parks have been closed due to wildfires. Visit tripcheck.com to learn about closures and alternative routes and don’t rely on GPS units, as they may not have updated information.

For more information on wildfires in the state, visit the Oregon Department of Forestry’s website at www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/firestats.aspx .