WENATCHEE — Continuing hot and dry weather conditions have prompted Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest managers to expand campfire restrictions.
     Expanded restrictions took effect on July 22 and are in addition to previous campfire bans.
     Campfires are now prohibited in the forest’s Chelan, Wenatchee River, Entiat and Naches ranger districts until enough precipitation reduces fire danger, a forest announcement aid.
     A campfire restriction means wood and charcoal fires are allowed only in designated campgrounds with fire rings, federally designated wilderness areas and special sites. Pressurized liquid gas stoves are allowed, but charcoal fires are not.
     Forest Service managers do not order campfire restrictions in ranger districts until necessary. Weather forecasts now show a continuing drying and warming pattern for North Central Washington.
     Forest managers are allowing some campfire use at specific sites outside of designated campgrounds within ranger districts with restrictions, the announcement said. They recommend visitors contact ranger stations or campground hosts before building any campfire to ensure compliance.
     Current restrictions can also be found on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Web site, www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee/conditions/campfires/index.shtml.
     Woodcutting restrictions also are in -Prepared by Omak Chronicle staff