Burn bans to take effect Monday in Puget Sound region; restrictions already in place east of Cascades

SEATTLE -- King, Pierce and Snohomish counties are imposing burn bans, effective Monday, due to unseasonably dry conditions and little expected rainfall.

The bans apply to all outdoor burning except for small recreational fires in established fire pits at approved camp grounds or private property with the owner’s permission. The use of gas and propane self-contained stoves and barbeques will continue to be allowed under the bans.

For more on the King County ban, click here.

For more on the Pierce County ban, click here.

For more on the Snohomish County ban, click here.

Meanwhile, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced Friday it was restricting fires and other activities immediately on agency-managed lands in eastern Washington.

Clay Sprague, manager of the WDFW Lands Division, said the department is taking steps to reduce fire risk in its wildlife areas and access areas several weeks earlier than it did last year.

The emergency order now in effect prohibits:

-- Fires or campfires: However, personal camp stoves or lanterns fueled by liquid petroleum, liquid petroleum gas or propane are allowed.

-- Smoking: Unless in an enclosed vehicle.

--  Welding and the use of chainsaws and other equipment: Operating a torch with an open flame and equipment powered by an internal combustion engine is prohibited.

-- Operating a motor vehicle off developed roads: Except when parking in areas without vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway and parking in developed campgrounds and at trailheads.

Fireworks are prohibited year-round at all 33 WDFW wildlife areas and 700-plus water access sites around the state. So is throwing a lit cigarette or any other burning material from a motor vehicle on a state highway.

The restrictions will remain in effect until conditions improve and the risk of wildfires decreases, Sprague said. Any changes will be posted on the department's website: http://wdfw.wa.gov.