Backcountry campfires banned at Crater Lake
To cut the risk of human-caused wildfires, campfires are no longer permitted in the backcountry at Crater Lake National Park, officials said Tuesday.
The change comes with the annual update of the Superintendent’s Compendium, a document that details park specific rules and regulations.
The following changes are effective immediately:
Campfires
·Backcountry campfires are prohibited.
·Wood fires and charcoal fires are permitted only within established grills or fire rings, or portable self-contained grills, in the following designated areas:
o Mazama Campground
o Rim Village Picnic Area
o Park residential areas
·Self-contained gas and solid fuel camp stoves and grills are permitted in the backcountry, as well as in Mazama Campground, picnic areas, and residential areas.
Park management said it ” made this change to reduce the risk of escaped campfires in the backcountry. ”
” After multiple years of below-average snowfall, fire season starts earlier and lasts longer than in the past, ” the announcement said. ” These restrictions will minimize the risk of human-caused fires. Restricting fires in the backcountry also helps prevent the illegal collection of sparse native vegetation for use as fuel. ”
The restrictions are implemented pursuant to the authority described in 36 Code of Federal Regulations 2.13.
” Our goal is voluntary compliance; however, persons who fail to comply with these restrictions may be cited or arrested, ” the announcement said, thanking visitors for their cooperation.
