Mt. Rainier Nat. Park burn restrictions begin Saturday
Shriner Peak Fire Lookout is one of several fire lookouts in or near Mount Rainier National Park. A complete burn ban will go into effect Saturday to ensure the park is safe during high risk fire conditions.
NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE
ASHFORD — Mount Rainier National Park will implement a parkwide fire ban starting Saturday due to increased regional fire risks, according to a press release from the park.
The ban prohibits all campfires and the ignition of wood, briquettes or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans and barbecue grills throughout the park, including in White River, Ohanapecosh, and Cougar Rock campgrounds.
Park officials said the goal is to reduce risk of human-caused wildfires during high fire danger conditions. It also supports regional incident management efforts by limiting potential demands on firefighting resources.
Portable, petroleum-filled cooking stoves, heating devices, and lanterns using liquefied or bottled fuel are still permitted if they can be turned off.
The fire ban replaces an earlier restriction that was set to begin Friday only at White River Campground.
Fireworks and other incendiary devices are always banned on federal lands. The public is urged to report any smoke or flames by calling 911 or notifying a park ranger.
The park's timed entry reservation system continues through Sept. 2.