COLVILLE, Wash. -- Stage one fire restrictions will be in effect in the Colville National Forest beginning August 3.
Officials said campfires will only be allowed in approved campgrounds and smoking will be prohibited outside of the vehicle, with the exception of being in a campground with designated campfire facilities.
Restrictions will be in place until further notice,
Other restrictions include maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or charcoal grill in the forest outside of the designated campground. Liquid gas stoves are still allowed.
As of Monday, there are no firewood cutting restrictions in place.
Officials said motorists should exercise caution when driving on forest roads and trails by avoiding dry grass and vegetation because the hot exhaust systems can easily ignite dry grasses.
Visitors are encouraged to have a shovel, water and a fire extinguisher available.
