Cool, moist conditions lift Gifford Pinchot restrictions

Posted

Citing cooler and wetter conditions, the U.S. Forest Service is easing public use restrictions in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Effective Friday, fire danger was lowered from extreme to high, and campfires and target shooting can resume.

Industrial fire precaution levels have been set at level 2, meaning personal firewood cutting can resume, but chain saw use is prohibited from 1 to 8 p.m. and must be followed up by an hour-long fire watch.

But fire officials are still reminding the public to be diligent about fire danger.



“Vegetation remains dry and is susceptible to sparks,” a news release from the Forest Service stated.

“Human-caused wildfire starts can exhaust local firefighting resources as many firefighters remain engaged in fighting fires across the west.”

Individuals should have plenty of water and a shovel on-hand when maintaining a campfire, which should be cold to the touch before left unattended.