Washington State Parks has banned wood and charcoal fires at its parks statewide and on ocean beaches in the Seashore Conservation Area. The ban took effect July 2 and will remain until further notice.

Due to the extreme hot and dry conditions affecting the entire state, State Parks said the campfire ban is necessary to help prevent accidental wildfires.

State parks in the Plateau area include Kanaskat-Palmer, not too many miles north of Enumclaw, and Flaming Geyser, southwest of Black Diamond. Hardest hit many be those camping at Kanaskat-Palmer who will not enjoy the smell of campfire smoke at their site. There is no overnight camping at Flaming Geyser, but it’s a popular day-use area.

All state parks and ocean beaches are under a level 3 burn ban or higher. Level 3 prohibits the use of wood fires and charcoal briquettes.

Gas/propane self-contained camping stoves and portable gas/propane firepits are permitted in designated camping and picnic sites.

The state parks burn ban aligns with the order issued by Commissioner of Public Lands, Hilary Franz, pertaining to all forest lands within the Department of Natural Resources’ fire protection.

Campers and visitors to state parks should always check campfire ban levels to learn about restrictions in place and prepare for the possibility of sudden changes to restrictions due to emerging conditions.