May 25, 2023 10:40 a.m.

Officials with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department are offering tips to help residents keep camp fires at state parks safe and reduce the risk of injury and wildfires.

An OPRD release said wildfire is a real danger in Oregon despite the wet and snowy spring. At times, campfires and other open flames may be banned in campgrounds or on the beach.

Restrictions can happen at any time and with little warning, depending on conditions. Fire restrictions may be in place at the park, county or state level. The latest information about campfires in state parks can be found: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/

OPRD Associate Director Chris Havel said “If you’re camping with children or others who are new to outdoor recreation, it’s particularly important to review campfire safety practices”. Havel said, “If you have a question or a concern, talk with a park ranger or camp host”.

OPRD tips include:

*Maintain campfire flames at knee height, or no more than two feet

*In a state park campground, only build campfires in the existing fire ring at the campsite

*Always keep plenty of water on hand to safely put the campfire out

*Beach campfires should be on open sand and away from driftwood or vegetation. Use only natural wood for the fire

*For propane fire rings, follow the same safety precautions that would be used with a log-based campfire

*Everyone in the campsite should be familiar with campfire safety, including children

More information about recreation and wildfire safety is linked: https://keeporegongreen.org/prevent-wildfires/out-and-about/