Campfire ban takes effect Aug 4 in portions of Chelan County
Beginning Aug. 4, fire restrictions will raise to a Stage 2 level in parts of Chelan County, announces the Chelan County fire marshal.
Fire restrictions will be raised from Stage 1 to Stage 2 in the Chelan County Valley Zone, which includes the unincorporated lands and areas within the boundaries of Chelan County fire districts 1, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
Stage 2 restrictions include a ban on campfires in the Valley Zone. In addition, under Stage 2 restrictions, target shooting is only allowed at a gun range; hunting is permitted in open areas.
In addition, the Valley Zone fire hazard level, which reflects how fire-prone an area is, will be elevated to “extreme,” the highest level of the county’s four fire hazard ratings (moderate, high, very high and extreme).
“The Valley Zone of Chelan County, which includes our lower elevations, is dry and highly combustible,’ said Stephen Rinaldi, Chelan County fire marshal. “I hesitate to even say this, but we’ve had a relatively quiet wildfire season compared to our neighbors. Don’t let this fool you, or lull you into complacency. We’re reaching those perfect storm conditions that are ideal for a major wildfire.”
Chelan County’s fire code divides the county into two zones – the Valley and Mountain zones – because sometimes fire conditions are different in its mountains and the valleys, Rinaldi explained. A map of the two zones is available on the fire marshal’s website.
In the Mountain Zone, which includes the unincorporated lands and area within the legal boundaries of Chelan County fire districts 3, 9 (Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue) and 10, fire restrictions will remain at a Stage 1. The Mountain Zone also will remain at a “high” fire hazard level. Stage 1 restrictions allow for campfires in an approved pit or device. The use of grills or barbecues is still allowed in both zones.
Rinaldi warned that many state and federal lands are also beginning to ban campfires. People going camping should check with the campground they are visiting, or visit the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service (Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest) or the Washington State Department of Natural Resources websites to determine if campfires are allowed.
If you have questions, go to a Frequently Asked Questions about fire hazard levels and fire restrictions.
During wildfire season, a Fire Advisory Board that consists of representatives from local fire districts, the Chelan County Fire Marshal’s Office, and state and federal partners meets weekly to determine if fire hazard levels and fire restrictions should be changed. The fire marshal can temporarily designate a fire hazard area and impose travel and activity restrictions. Such designations and restrictions shall be in effect until the next regular meeting of the Board of Chelan County commissioners, which is the following Monday.
Last Updated: 08/25/2023 09:45 AM
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Chelan County makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided on its web site. However, due to the possibility of transmission errors, HTML browser capabilities, changes made since the last update to the site, etc., neither Chelan County, nor any agency, officer or employee of Chelan County warrants the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information published by this system and shall not be held liable for any losses caused by reliance on the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of such information. Portions of such information may be incorrect or not current. Any person or entity that relies on any information obtained from this system does so at his or her own risk.
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The information contained on this site is provided as a courtesy of the Chelan County. Where it exists, the "Index.txt" will contain a brief explanation of files contained in this folder
Chelan County makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided on its web site. However, due to the possibility of transmission errors, HTML browser capabilities, changes made since the last update to the site, etc., neither Chelan County, nor any agency, officer or employee of Chelan County warrants the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information published by this system and shall not be held liable for any losses caused by reliance on the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of such information. Portions of such information may be incorrect or not current. Any person or entity that relies on any information obtained from this system does so at his or her own risk.
PLEASE NOTE: FTP browsing is no longer supported on the latest browsers, please refer below to acccess our FTP content.
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By clicking continue, you confirm that you have read, understood and agreed to this disclaimer.
The information contained on this site is provided as a courtesy of the Chelan County. Where it exists, the "Index.txt" will contain a brief explanation of files contained in this folder
Chelan County makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided on its web site. However, due to the possibility of transmission errors, HTML browser capabilities, changes made since the last update to the site, etc., neither Chelan County, nor any agency, officer or employee of Chelan County warrants the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information published by this system and shall not be held liable for any losses caused by reliance on the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of such information. Portions of such information may be incorrect or not current. Any person or entity that relies on any information obtained from this system does so at his or her own risk.
By clicking continue, you confirm that you have read, understood and agreed to this disclaimer.
The information contained on this site is provided as a courtesy of the Chelan County. Where it exists, the "Index.txt" will contain a brief explanation of files contained in this folder
Chelan County makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided on its web site. However, due to the possibility of transmission errors, HTML browser capabilities, changes made since the last update to the site, etc., neither Chelan County, nor any agency, officer or employee of Chelan County warrants the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information published by this system and shall not be held liable for any losses caused by reliance on the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of such information. Portions of such information may be incorrect or not current. Any person or entity that relies on any information obtained from this system does so at his or her own risk.
By clicking continue, you confirm that you have read, understood and agreed to this disclaimer.