PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) – On Tuesday, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department banned campfires temporarily at most state parks due to dry conditions and the current strain on firefighters from wildfires burning across Oregon.

Because of the low humidity and risk of wildfires, all parks east of the Cascades prohibit campfires and open burning. Additionally, until conditions improve, they are prohibited from parks in high-risk locations around the state. With rare exceptions at a few coastal parks, most of the bans affect parks in the valley and east of the Cascades.

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“We understand that campfires are an important part of the experience at Oregon State Parks. We don’t make the decision lightly to restrict the use of fire, but unfortunately conditions require that response. The decision is made in consultation with our local fire agencies. Thank you for helping us do our part to reduce the risk of any new wildfires,” said JR Collier, OPRD’s deputy of statewide operations.

Campfire restrictions generally ban all “open flame,”but often make exceptions for propane cooking as the flame is contained. Check individual park webpages for details on any restrictions before visiting. Restrictions are listed in alphabetical order in afeature story atstateparks.oregon.gov/or on the individual park pages.

OPRD also encourages visitors to know before they go when it comes to the impact of wildfires across the state:

• Several parks have been closed due to wildfires including Battle Mountain Forest State Scenic Corridor, Farewell Bend State Recreation Area, East and West Hatfield Trailheads on the Columbia River Highway State Trail and Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor. Check park webpagesatstateparks.oregon.gov/and search by park.
• Some parks have reduced air quality due to wildfire smoke. Check DEQ’s website for air quality information atwww.oregonsmoke.org/
• Several roads and highways have been closed due to wildfires. Please useTripCheckto learn about closures and alternative routes. Relying on GPS might lead drivers into unsafe conditions

For more information about current wildfires around the state, go to the Oregon Department of Forestry’s website:https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/firestats.aspx.

For more information about wildfire prevention, please visit the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s webpage athttps://www.oregon.gov/osfm/education/pages/prevent-wildfires.aspx.

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