State announces ban on campfires in all state parks, effective immediately

OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission announced Friday afternoon that,  effective immediately, campfires are prohibited in all state parks -- including designated fire rings -- until further notice.

"This is due to the extremely hot and dry conditions across the state and the high risk for wildfire," the commission said on its Facebook page. "Charcoal is also prohibited. You may use gas and propane for camp cooking stoves.

"We want you to enjoy your visit to state parks, but we also want you to be safe. And we want to protect this state's precious natural resources," the statement said.