Fire officials have raised the fire danger rating in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest from "high" to "very high" as drought conditions and ongoing wildfires increase fire risk.
A "very high" fire danger rating means fires can start easily, spread quickly and become more difficult to control, according to a Gifford Pinchot National Forest news release. Officials said record-low snowpack and multiple large wildfires across the region have contributed to the increased danger.
Campfires, charcoal and briquette fires, pellet fires and other open fires remain prohibited under a forest order. Officials also urge visitors to follow fire restrictions, avoid activities that could create sparks and report wildfires by calling 911.
Firefighters continue to patrol the forest for holdover fires from recent lightning storms. The Skyo Fire, burning west of Packwood, remains the largest active fire on the forest as of press time.
Current fire restrictions and updates are available at shorturl.at/GxwZm.
