Beginning Friday, and until rescinded, Mount Rainier National Park has implemented a parkwide fire ban for all campfires and the ignition of wood, briquettes or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans and barbeque grills.
This ban is in place to reduce the risk of human-caused wildland fire during critical weather condition, current unhealthy air quality due to wildfire smoke and increased concerns related to nearby wildfire activity. Hot, dry, and windy conditions and poor air quality are expected through this weekend.
Emergency road closures are in place due to the active Goat Rocks Fire burning outside the park to the east of the southeast entrance. State Route 123 is closed to travel in both directions south of Ohanapecosh preventing access into and out of Mount Rainier National Park via the southeast entrance. US 12 is closed near Skate Creek Road to milepost 151 near White Pass summit. Ohanapecosh campground and visitor center are open. With the exception of the southern end of SR 123, all roads within Mount Rainier National Park remain open.
These actions are in accordance with the Superintendent's Compendium and 36 CFR §2.13.
Use of portable, petroleum-filled cooking stoves, heating devices, and/or lanterns using liquefied or bottled fuel are permissible provided such devices can be turned off.
Discharging, or using any kind of fireworks, tracer ammunition or other incendiary devices in any location on federal lands is always prohibited.
No fires are currently burning inside Mount Rainier National Park. If you observe smoke or flames inside the park or on nearby lands, please dial 911 or notify a ranger.
— Mount Rainier National Park news release
