Campfires, even in fire rings, are banned in most Siuslaw National Forest campgrounds east of Highway 101, according to a recent Forest Order. “Because of persistently hot and dry weather, along with a growing risk for wildfires, we’re enacting these temporary closures for both public safety and to protect the forest,” said Forest Supervisor Jerry Ingersoll, who issued the order going into effect Aug. 1.
In addition to the campfire prohibition, the Forest Order also restricts smoking only in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while in an area with a 3-square-foot minimum of ground devoid of flammable materials.
Campfires still are allowed in campgrounds west of Highway 101, provided they are built within an existing campfire ring. Campfires also are allowed on open sand if dispersed camping in the Oregon Dunes and Sand Lake Recreation Areas. Liquid gas stoves and lanterns, such as Coleman, still can be used during the restrictions. The penalty for violating fire restrictions can be as high as $5,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
If using a campfire in an allowable campground, visitors are reminded to:
1. Keep campfires small and in an area cleared down to mineral soil
2. Only burn materials that fit within the campfire ring
3. Watch out for overhanging vegetation or limbs
4. Extinguish all campfires before leaving – even if gone for a short period of time
To report unsafe fire use, visitors are asked to contact the Coastal Valley Interagency Dispatch Center at 541-750-7024 or call 911. Additional campfire and wildfire safety information can be found at www.smokeybear.com.
The following Forest Service campgrounds allow campfires only in established fire rings:
Hebo Ranger District
Fisherman’s Day Use Area
Derrick Road Dispersed Camping Area
Sandbeach Campground
Sandbeach Campground
Central Coast Ranger District
Alder Dune Campground
Baker Beach Campground
Sutton Campground
Tillicum Beach Campground
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Bluebill Campground
Cape Perpetua Campground
Carter Lake Campground
Driftwood II Campground
Eel Creek Campground
Horsfall Campground
Horsfall Beach Campground
Lagoon Campground
Rock Creek Campground
Spinreel Campground/Day Use
Tahkenitch Campground
Waxmyrtle Campground
Wild Mare Campground/Day Use
