SALEM, Ore. — Oregon State Parks is joining the Oregon Department of Forestry and other local, state and national partners in recognizing May as Wildfire Awareness Month, reminding visitors to practice safe campfire habits while enjoying Oregon’s parks and beaches.
Campfires remain a popular tradition at Oregon State Parks, but officials stress that even a briefly unattended fire can quickly become dangerous, especially during dry and windy conditions. Park staff are encouraging campers of all ages, including children, to understand and follow campfire safety rules.
State Parks officials highlighted three key tips for safer campfires:
- Build fires only where they are allowed. Visitors are encouraged to check current restrictions online or ask a park ranger before starting a fire. In some areas, even propane fire rings may be prohibited.
- Build fires safely. Campfires should only be built in designated fire rings at campsites, which are placed away from vegetation. Propane fire rings should also be kept clear of brush and low-hanging branches. At the coast, fires are only permitted on open sand in approved areas. Officials recommend keeping flames below knee height and having water nearby at all times.
- Fully extinguish campfires before leaving. Campers should pour water over flames and embers, stir the ashes, and repeat the process until no heat remains. Officials warn against using sand to extinguish fires because buried embers can stay hot for days.
Park rangers say education is the primary focus when enforcing fire regulations, but significant or repeated violations can result in a Class A violation with presumptive fines of up to $400.
Officials also reminded visitors that fireworks and explosives are prohibited in state parks and along the ocean shore due to the heightened wildfire risk they pose to people, wildlife and natural landscapes. Dry vegetation, strong winds and crowded recreation areas can quickly turn fireworks into a dangerous hazard.
Visitors can find current campfire restrictions, wildfire information, smoke advisories and road conditions through state agency websites, including Oregon State Parks, Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon State Fire Marshal, Oregon Department of Emergency Management, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and TripCheck.
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