Fire
Living with Wildfire: Stay Informed. Be Prepared. Be Part of the Solution.
The Colville National Forest Fire and Aviation Management Program places the utmost emphasis on safety while working to create more resilient forests through fuels reduction projects and prescribed fire. Our wildland fire workforce is committed to fighting wildfires safely for the protection of our communities and our public resources.
The Story of Prescribed Fire - A vital part of Western landscapes
Fire is one of the most important natural processes across the West. After many years of fire exclusion, a dry ecosystem that needs periodic fire becomes unhealthy. Trees are stressed by overcrowding; fire-dependent species disappear; and flammable fuels build up and become hazardous. However, the right fire at the right place at the right time helps maintain healthy forests, communities and watersheds.
Manage your Campfires
Campfires are one of the pleasures of camping in the Colville National Forest. No matter what time of year, people need to be careful when deciding when and where to build a campfire.
Please check to see if any campfire restrictions are in effect before building a campfire.
If you are going to have a campfire:
- Use an existing fire ring, don't create a new one. When not in a designated campground, build your fire within a ring of rocks.
- Clear all vegetation away from the fire ring (remove all flammable materials such as needles, leaves, sticks, etc.)
- Select an open level spot away from trees, logs, stumps, overhanging branches, dense dry grass, and forest litter.
- Keep your campfire small.
- Keep plenty of water and a shovel nearby for throwing dirt on the fire if it gets out of control.
- Never leave a campfire unattended! Even a small breeze could quickly cause the fire to spread. Make sure a responsible adult is always in attendance.
When putting out your campfire:
- First, drown the campfire with water!
- Next, mix the ashes and embers with soil. Scrape all partially-burned sticks and logs to make sure all the hot embers are off them.
- Stir the embers after they are covered with water and make sure that everything is wet.
- Feel the coals, embers, and any partially-burned wood with your hands. Everything (including the rock fire ring) should be cool to the touch. Feel under the rocks to make sure no embers underneath.
- When you think you are done, take an extra minute and add more water.
- Finally, check the entire campsite for possible sparks or embers, because it only takes one to start a forest fire.
- Remember…if it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.
Please take the time to completely put out your campfire, it could prevent a wildfire.
