North Cascades imposes full campfire ban ahead of July 4 due to fire danger
Jul 1, 2025, 2:00 PM
Campfires in "all portions" have been banned in the North Cascades National Park. (Photo courtesy of the National Park Service)
(Photo courtesy of the National Park Service)
Campfires in “all portions” have been banned in the North Cascades National Park, the National Park Service confirmed Monday.
The ban begins July 3 and covers the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, which includes North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.
“This ban includes all National Park Service lands and campgrounds along State Route 20 as well as Hozomeen and the entire Stehekin Valley,” the National Park Service stated.
The National Park Service cited a lack of rain throughout spring alongside warm weather, leading to an increase in fire danger, contributed to the decision to authorize the campfire ban. The ban includes any ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans, and barbeque grills.
What is still allowed past July 3 are pressurized or bottled liquid fuel stoves, grills, and lanterns, but only if these devices have an on/off switch or valve that can immediately extinguish the flame.
“The burn ban helps reduce the chance of human-caused wildfires during drought-like conditions with prolonged high summer temperatures,” the National Park Service said. “Use caution when smoking and do not discard cigarette butts. Discharging, or using any kind of fireworks, tracer ammunition, or other incendiary devices in any location is always prohibited on federal lands.”
The National Park Service requests that any visible smoke or flames be reported to 911 or a ranger station.
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