In a Sept. 19 news release, the Washington state Department of Natural Resources announced while the burn ban east of the Cascade Mountain Range is still in effect, it will allow campfires in pits in designated campgrounds. DNR also lifted the burn ban west of the Cascades.
There are exceptions. Due to continued high fire danger, campfires may not be allowed in some locations in northeast Washington.
County burn bans may still be in effect in various locations throughout Washington and DNR recommends that citizens check with local fire districts for information. If campers and visitors are unsure about whether a campground is on DNR-protected land, they should check with local park authorities. Fireworks and incendiary devices, such as exploding targets, sky lanterns, or tracer ammunition remain illegal on all DNR-protected lands.
Residents choosing to have a campfire in allowed areas should:
• Use an approved or provided fire pit only; don’t create a new one.
• Keep the campfire small.
• Keep plenty of water and a shovel nearby.
• Never leave the campfire unattended.
To properly extinguish a campfire, citizens should drown it with water, mix ashes, scrape partially-burned sticks and logs, and alternate drowning and mixing until cold.
Anyone who negligently allows fire to spread, or who knowingly places forestlands in danger of destruction or damage are subject to possible civil liabilities and criminal penalties under state law. DNR, as well as anyone harmed by such a fire, may pursue damages that include loss of property and fire suppression costs.
The burn ban east of the Cascades will run through Sept. 30.
For information on burn restrictions, call 1-800-323-BURN or visit DNR’s webpage showing fire danger and burning restrictions by county: www. fortress.wa.gov/dnr/protection/firedanger/. For a description of activities prohibited by the burn ban, go to http://www.dnr.wa.gov/burn-bans.
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