With warmer weather comes a higher risk of wildfires. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources has implemented new restrictions in response to the rising temperatures. Spokesperson Guy Gifford says the new rules apply to Stevens, Ferry and Pend Oreille counties and take effect today [Friday].
“What’s causing these new restrictions to go in place is temperatures are getting warmer and our fields are getting dryer,” said Gifford. “So we made the decision to prohibit all outdoor burning on forest lands. Whether it’s a rule burn or a permit burn, both of those kinds of burns are now prohibited until we have what we call a season ending rain event.”
Burns remain prohibited in Okanogan, Spokane and Lincoln counties, as well as several counties in southwest Washington.
Gifford says that while campfires may be allowed in approved designated campgrounds, you should always check with local campground hosts before lighting a campfire.
“When in doubt, use propane. Don’t use a campfire and don’t burn,” Gifford said.
Gifford says the restrictions are expected to remain in place until late September or early October.