Mount Rainier National Park implemented a parkwide fire ban for all campfires and the ignition of wood, briquettes or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans and barbecue grills on Friday, Sept. 9.
The ban, which will remain in effect until its rescinded, is in place to reduce the risk of human-caused wildland fire during critical weather conditions, current unhealthy air quality due to wildfire smoke and increased concerns related to nearby wildfire activity, stated a news release from the park. Hot, dry, and windy conditions, and poor air quality, were expected through last weekend.
Several emergency road closures are in place due to the active Goat Rocks Fire burning outside of the park to the east of the southeast entrance. State Route 123 was closed to travel in both directions south of Ohanapecosh preventing access into and out of Mount Rainier National Park via the southeast entrance. All other roads within Mount Rainier National Park remained open, stated the release.
“Use of portable, petroleum-filled cooking stoves, heating devices, and/or lanterns using liquefied or bottled fuel are permissible provided such devices can be turned off,” stated the release. “Discharging, or using any kind of fireworks, tracer ammunition or other incendiary devices in any location on federal lands is always prohibited.”
The release stated no fires are currently burning inside Mount Rainier National Park. If a person observes smoke or flames inside the park or on nearby lands, they are advised to dial 911 or notify a ranger.
