What forest rangers are doing to keep campfires from turning into wildfires

HOODSPORT, Wash. -- The folks who run the Olympic National Forest say this spring was drier than it has been in 130 years.

The North Fork of the Skokomish River is running low -- so low that rocks that are usually under water are now visible.

"With the lack of snow and rains, the vegetation is extremely dry and ready to burn," said Micah Johnson, fire management officer for the Olympic National Forest.

Johnson worries about illegal campfires that sit uncomfortably close to brush that's ready to burn.

"Think of it as a fuse," he said. "Once that material starts to burn, it will work its way into the vegetation over here."

But some campfires are still allowed, like at the Brown Creek Campground.

The clearing of brush and regular patrols will hopefully make it safer.

"Here we've designated the site," Johnson said. "We've also placed a larger ring in this, a metal ring."

Even though the forest saw some rain Friday, the fire danger is still very real.

"This is just a lull," Johnson said.

Camper Steve Lawson grabbed one of the last remaining camp sites at Brown Creek. He recognizes the extreme fire danger -- and decided against backcountry camping this year.

"As long as you use the rings and not the back area," Lawson said. "So it's just best to be safe rather than sorry, cause we're all in this together."

Officers will be out on patrol and they could issue tickets to campers who have campfires in unapproved areas.

And if your campfire spreads out of control and starts a wildfire, you could end up being responsible for paying to put the fire out.