Fire officials at Gifford Pinchot National Forest are reminding campers to properly put out their fires.
Forest fire crews have recently responded to numerous unattended or improperly extinguished campfires, some of which escaped fire rings and caused small fires.
“When this happens we have to commit resources to respond,” Gifford Pinchot deputy fire staff officer Ross Williams said in a news release. “This costs taxpayers money and pulls personnel from other projects.”
Those leaving campfires unattended could be billed for the cost of fire suppression.
“We want people to go out and enjoy their forests,” Williams continued. “Just do it responsibly and safely.”
While campfires in designated areas are still allowed on the forest, some state and local departments are instituting burn bans. Campers should check with forest, state or local agencies for current fire restrictions.
You can find more campfire safety information at smokeybear.com/campfire-safety.asp.
Compiled by Jeffrey P. Mayor, jeff.mayor@thenewstribune.com
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