Fire
Even though the Olympic Peninsula is known for receiving abundant rainfall this does not mean the forest is impervious to fire. The evidence of tree rings, charcoal analysis, forest composition and structure shows a vast history of fire on the landscape. From the fire-intolerant Sitka Spruce forests in the west to the fire-dependent Douglas-fir forests in the east, wildland fire has shaped Olympic Peninsula ecosystems for thousands of years.
Today, fire on federal lands on the Olympic Peninsula is managed by Olympic Interagency Fire Management. Together the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife provide cooperative fire management across Olympic National Forest, Olympic National Park, various National Wildlife Refuges and National Fish Hatcheries and other National Park Service sites. This relationship provides for the exchange of resources in support of fire planning and preparedness, fire training and qualifications management, wildfire response, and fuels project planning and implementation.
To Report a Fire: Dial 911
What are Fire Restrictions?
Fire restrictions, often called Public Use Restrictions, are put in place when fuel moistures and weather conditions create increased wildfire potential. These fire restrictions help reduce the chance of human-caused wildfire starts. Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands.
Most wildfires in Washington are caused by humans. Usually, when entering fire restrictions, Olympic National Forest bans all campfires but allows the use of propane stoves and other devices with instant "off" switches. Restrictions can affect where you are allowed to smoke, the types of roads you can travel, and if you are allowed to have a campfire. It is your responsibility to know and follow these restrictions when recreating on public lands.
Learn how you can reduce the risk of wildfires here.