Due to risks of wildfires, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area has issued restrictions on campfires, smoking, and other activities in National Forest System lands in the Gorge starting this week.
Restrictions currently in effect include:
No Campfires. Building and tending open fires, including charcoal briquettes, cooking fires, and warming fires are prohibited on National Forest System lands, including picnic areas with established metal fire pits or rings. Exempt from this order are petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices provided such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety and can be turned off.
No Smoking. Smoking outside of vehicles, buildings, and developed recreation sites is prohibited, except in barren areas at least three feet in diameter and cleared of all flammable material.
Discharging a firearm. Hunting is permissible. Persons possessing a valid hunting license who are legally attempting to take game are exempt from this prohibition.
Using explosives or pyrotechnics. Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device is prohibited.
Welding and torches. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame is prohibited.
Motorized vehicles. Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device that is properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order.
These restrictions pertain to all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the Columbia Gorge National Scenic area and will remain in effect through Nov. 1, 2022, unless rescinded sooner.
Violations of this prohibition are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/main/crgnsa/fire.
Source: U.S. Forest Service