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The Washington Department of Natural Resources lifted a statewide burning ban on Monday.
The decision follows the reopening of MNR lands east of the Cascades last week and was announced in an agency statement. A ban on burning Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife lands east of the Cascades will remain in place until September, according to a spokesperson for the agency.
The WDFW ban prohibits:
- Fires or campfires, including those in fire rings. Personal camping stoves and lanterns fueled by propane, liquid petroleum or liquid petroleum gas are permitted.
- Smoking, except in a closed vehicle.
- The unloading of firearms for target shooting or other purposes by anyone who is not engaged in legal hunting.
- Welding and use of chainsaws, including the use of an acetylene torch or other open flame.
- Drive a motor vehicle away from developed roads. Parking is permitted in designated parking areas, including developed campgrounds and trailheads; and in areas without vegetation that are within 10 feet of roads.
The MNR press release is copied in full below:
As the weather changes, Commissioner Franz lifts statewide MRN burning ban
Franz’s decision follows the reopening of MNR lands east of the Cascades as peak forest fire danger diminishes and conditions improve
OLYMPIA – As the weather continues to change and forecasts call for rains on both sides of the Cascades, Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz has lifted the statewide burning ban on all forest land under protection. Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fires.
As of today, September 20, outdoor burning, campfires, the use of charcoal briquettes and prescribed burns on all forest lands covered by MNR fire protection are to be considered. again authorized. The burning ban was originally scheduled to expire on September 30, but the decrease in forest fire danger has shortened the deadline.
“The forest fire season has been long and difficult which started with a historic number of relentless fires – until now,†said Commissioner Franz. “With the fall rains and other changeable weather conditions, I am optimistic that we have reached the milestone, and I could not be happier to continue to lift safety restrictions as a result.”
Last week, the MRN reopened the recreation grounds east of the Cascades for public use. The closures and the burning ban have impacted the wildfire season, reducing the risk of man-made fires and allowing firefighters to focus on starts and fires caused by lightning already in the area. countryside.
Over 98 percent of MNR fires were detected in the initial attack this fire season, representing over 1,100 fires that did not require a Type 1, 2 or 3 crew to control . More than 93 percent of MNR’s fires have been stopped at 10 acres or less, which is better than the 10-year average by six percentage points.
“MNR can and will do everything in our power to fight forest fires and protect communities in Washington,†said Commissioner Franz. “But we will always need the help of our friends and neighbors in this great state to limit man-made forest fires, keep our firefighters safe, and make sure we get through each fire season successfully.”
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