As the Fourth of July approaches, fire officials are reminding forest visitors that fireworks are illegal in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
Forest Service personnel will be on the lookout for the illegal possession or use of fireworks in the national forest.
There are penalties for fireworks possession.
Violators can be subject to a citation and fine of up to $5,000 or up to six months in jail.
Anyone who starts a wildfire can be held liable for suppression costs.
Those costs can be substantial, often running into hundreds of thousands of dollars or more.
North Central Washington has had a colder and wetter spring, but some of the grasses growing in the lower elevation areas have already started to dry out and could easily spread a wildfire ignited by fireworks.
Forest visitors are encouraged to enjoy local fireworks displays and save their fireworks for New Year’s Eve.
Fire officials are also concerned about campfire use on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Firefighters extinguish one or two abandoned campfires almost every weekend.
Campers must ensure their campfire is completely out and cold to the touch before leaving campsites.
Remember, if you are going to have a campfire:
• Use an existing fire ring or construct a fire ring out of rocks.
• Clear all vegetation away from the ring and don’t build a campfire underneath low hanging tree branches.
• Keep water and a shovel nearby.
When you put your campfire out:
• Drown it with water.
• Stir the embers after they are covered with water and make sure everything is wet.
• Feel the coals and embers with your hands. They should be cool to the touch.
• And when you think you’re done, add more water.
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