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Fire danger in the forest varies with weather conditions: drought, heat, and wind
help dry timber and other fuel, making it easier to ignite. 
Once a fire is burning, these same conditions help increase
a fire's intensity.
Conditions in our region's forests are currently prime for rapid ignition:
dried grasses, leaves and branches (flash fuels) abound due to drought conditions. Once ignited, these
fuels generate enough heat to ignite heavier fuels such as tree stumps, heavy limbs and the material on the
forest floor. Normally slow to kindle, once ignited these these fuels are are difficult to extinguish.
"Play it Safe" — If you build a campfire remember to:
- Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass, and leaves. Pile any extra wood away from the fires.
- Keep plenty of water handy and have a shovel for throwing dirt on the fire if it gets out of control.
- Start with dry twigs and small sticks and add larger sticks as the fire builds up. Put the largest pieces of wood on last, pointing them toward the center of the fire, and gradually push them into the flames .
- Keep the campfire small. A good bed of coals or a small fire surrounded by rocks gives plenty of heat. Scrape away litter, duff , and any burnable material within a 10-foot-diameter circle. This will keep a small campfire from spreading.
- Be sure your match is out. Hold it until it is cold. Break it so that you can feel the charred portion before discarding it. Make sure it is cold out. Conserve matches---carry a candle as a fire starter.
- Never leave a campfire unattended. Even a small breeze could quickly cause the fire to spread.
- Drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals, and sticks are wet. Move rocks---there may be burning embers underneath. Stir the remains, add more water, and stir again. Be sure all burned material has been extinguished and cooled. If you do not have water, use dirt. Mix enough soil or sand with the embers. Continue adding and stirring until all material is cooled.
Feel all materials with your bare hand. Make sure that no roots are burning. Do not bury your coals---they can smolder and break out.
If you smoke in the woods... never leave a cigarette burning unattended.
*Information courtesy of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources
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