SPOKANE, Wash. – Riverside State Park has reopened after a fire burned about 50 acres starting July 6. Park officials are urging visitors to stay safe this summer.
“We don’t set our fire restrictions because we’re trying to spoil somebody’s good time at the park,” Rex Schultz from Washington State Parks said.
Burning restrictions are in place across most parks in eastern Washington, banning charcoal and wood fires. Propane stoves are still allowed, but park rangers are strictly enforcing these rules.
“If the wind comes up all of a sudden and you’ve left some live coals in your fire ring… they can jump out very easily,” Schultz explained.
Thanks to past forest health work, fire crews were able to limit the damage to about 50 acres. Schultz noted that campers were safely evacuated with the help of rangers and park aid staff going door-to-door and tent-to-tent through the campgrounds.
“Everybody got out safely, and fortunately we still have a campground. The fire didn’t jump the river,” he stated.
Visitors are advised to stay on marked trails and check for updates online before planning their visit.
“We’re here for your enjoyment… we do have some rules, but the rules are there to protect the environment and protect each other,” Schultz added.
