Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests
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Okanogan- Wenatchee National Forests Headquarters 215 Melody Lane Wenatchee, WA 98801 (509) 664-9200 Voice Okanogan Valley Office (509) 826-3275 Voice
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Tonasket Ranger District 1 West Winesap Tonasket, WA 98855 (509) 486-2186 Voice
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Methow Valley Ranger District 24 West Chewuch Winthrop, WA 98862 (509) 996-4000 Voice
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North Cascades Smokejumper Base 23 Intercity Airport Road Winthrop, WA 98862 (509) 997-9750 Voice | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
16. What are fire restrictions and what do they mean to me?
Fire restrictions are issued by the Forest Supervisor after coordinating with District Rangers and Fire Management Officers on local conditions. Conditions that could lead to issuance of fire restrictions include but are not limited to: high temperatures, low relative humidity's, low fuel moistures within forest fuels, and an increase in the number of fire starts.
When in effect, fire restrictions mean that campfires, stove fires and smoking are not permitted in the restricted area. Charcoal, wood and coal stoves outside of dwellings are classified as campfires. Campfires do not include any cooking or heating device using kerosene or gasoline. Smoking is permitted in designated forest campgrounds and picnic areas or while traveling in a vehicle provided an ash tray is used.
Permits authorizing campfires may be issued by designated Forest Officers when local conditions are favorable and/or in some Forest Service developed camp or picnic grounds. We recommend that you call ahead to each local district office because restrictions may vary.
17. I'm interested in becoming a firefighter. How can I get more information?
To become a wildland firefighter, you must be between the 18 and 35 years old and pass a physical fitness test. The average firefighter is paid $8.00/hour. They sometimes earn time and a half or "hazard duty" pay.
Most agencies hire a fair number of employees on a seasonal basis (generally from May to September). Almost without exception, regardless of the type of work seasonal employees are hired to do, everyone receives basic firefighter training. During seasons when there are a lot of fires, people who have had basic fire training are called upon to help organized fire crews. If you do an outstanding job, regardless of what function you serve, you will be noticed and your chances of getting a "fire job" next season will be greatly increased. For other fire related questions see the
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) FAQ Web site at http://www.nifc.gov/faq.html .