Metro Parks lifts grilling ban in Point Defiance Park, rest of district

County’s fire danger reduced to “low”

Grilling once again is allowed inside Point Defiance Park and the park district’s other natural areas after the state Department of Natural Resources reduced Pierce County’s fire danger to “low.”

The danger of a catastrophic wildfire that could endanger public safety, destroy forested areas and threaten the zoo and other structures within Point Defiance Park prompted Metro Parks managers to impose a ban on grilling, barbecues and other outdoor flames within the park this summer. Staff put the ban in place after the state Department of Natural Resources increased the fire danger rating for Pierce County to “high.” The ban applied only to Point Defiance Park and other natural areas such as Swan Creek Park, and not to the district’s community and neighborhood parks.

On Tuesday, Metro Parks managers lifted the restrictions, which means charcoal grills and barbecues again are allowed at Point Defiance. Staff had previously scaled back the ban in September to allow propane-only grills after the fire danger dropped to “moderate.”

“We’re happy for the seasonally rainy weather, but we’ll look to next year with caution,” said Julie Parascondola, regional parks manager for Metro Parks. “Remember that Washington is still in a drought. We will monitor conditions next summer and respond appropriately to ensure public safety and protect this wonderful resource.”

Point Defiance Park’s 760 acres include hundreds of acres of old-growth forest as well as Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, Point Defiance Marina and Owen Beach.

Staff removed the park’s charcoal grills to help enforce the ban. Parascondola said it will take a few weeks to reinstall the grills but visitors are welcome to bring their own portable charcoal grills as long as they are used in designated picnic areas and other park regulations are followed. Smoking and fireworks are always prohibited in Point Defiance Park and other Metro Parks locations.