Twin Firs fire contained in Mount Rainier National Park
Nisqually Valley News staff
Mount Rainier National Park officials announced that the Twin Firs Fire has been successfully contained. The Twin Firs Trail reopened to the public on Tuesday, Aug. 29.
The fire, which did not affect any park structures, was started by a lightning strike on Friday, Aug. 25, and burned approximately half an acre between the Twin Firs Trail and Kautz Creek. Twenty-five firefighters worked to put out the blaze using a combination of helicopter water drops and hand crew work.
Mount Rainier National Park remains under a fire ban in all campgrounds due to warm, dry conditions and continued high fire danger. The ban includes campfires, ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans and barbecue grills.
Visitors are encouraged to dial 911 or notify a ranger if they observe smoke or flames inside the park or on nearby lands.
Same-day reservations available at select parks in expanded program
Nisqually Valley News staff
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will expand its pilot program for same-day reservations at select parks.
Beginning Sept. 5, park visitors can make same-day camping reservations at Millersylvania State Park and Cape Disappointment, as well as Deception Pass, which has offered same-day reservations for more than five years. With the expansion of the pilot program, Deception Pass will also begin accepting same-day reservations during the off-season.
Visitors can make same-day camping reservations during the season until 8 p.m. from June 1 until Sept. 30, and until 4 p.m. from Oct. 1 to May 31 during the off-season.
Same-day reservations are only available for campsites and do not apply to group sites, roofed accommodations, vacation rentals or other facilities.
Same-day reservations will allow visitors to secure campsites before heading to a park rather than hoping an empty site will be available when they arrive. This will also allow parks to better fill empty sites when there are last-minute cancellations.
Parkgoers are encouraged to make their reservations online at https://washington.goingtocamp.com/ or by calling 888-CAMPOUT or 888-226-7688.
