Summer is an amazing time to visit Leavenworth, play in the mountains and cool off in the rivers. We want you to have fun and be safe doing it. Human caused fires are especially tragic and totally avoidable so here are some great reminders to help prevent wildfires keeping you, our forests, and our community safe!

Follow the Rules

Campfire restrictions increase as fire danger conditions rise. It is so very important to know and understand where and when campfires are allowed. A great resource to stay up to date on current restrictions is our local ranger station at the Wenatchee-Okanogan National Forest, bookmark this link and check back often as conditions can change!

Extinguish those Campfires

If you are staying in an approved campsite for campfires, never, ever leave your campfire unattended! When you are preparing to leave, it is a great idea to have tools at the ready to properly extinguish your campfire like water buckets and a shovel. When extinguishing your fire, let it burn down to ash, then pour lots and lots of water on it, so much so that there are no embers at all. Stir it well with a shovel making sure to douse any hot spots. If it is too hot to touch, then it is too hot to leave it!

Fireworks are Illegal

Fireworks and forests are a tragic combination, and they are illegal in the Leavenworth city limits and in Chelan County (including all public lands). And yes, even on the 4^th of July they are still illegal! If you want to see a sanctioned and safe 4^th of July fireworks celebration, our neighbors in Wenatchee throw a great show, click here for more info.

Avoid Driving off the Roadway

Believe it or not, your car can get hot enough underneath to spark a wildfire. Keep to the roads, avoid parking in dry grassy areas and make sure that you are not dragging anything from under or behind your car that can ignite a spark.

Dispose Properly

All flammable material should be disposed properly, that includes cigarettes and matches! Please do not toss cigarettes out your window or on the ground. Never dispose of cigarettes or matches in a bag of garbage while they are still hot, it is always best to be overly cautious!