Department of Natural Resources expands burn ban statewide through Sept. 30

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- The Washington State Department of Natural Resources announced Thursday it is expanding a DNR burn ban statewide from July 29 through Sept. 30.

A burn ban for DNR-protected lands in Eastern Washington has been in effect since July 2.

“The arrival of summer weather creates greater danger for wildfires, which are serious threats to safety, property and habitat. We have already seen a number of roadside fires start on both sides of the Cascades,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark. “We must be cautious and vigilant to minimize the damage to our state.”

The ban means outdoor burning is prohibited on all forestlands that DNR protects from wildfire. Anyone caught violating the burn ban can face fines, the DNR said.

Recreational fires in approved fire pits within designated state, county, municipal and other campgrounds are allowed.

DNR’s burn ban does not apply to federally owned lands, such as national forests, national parks, national wildlife refuges or other areas administered by federal agencies, the DNR said. Counties and local fire districts may have additional burn restrictions.

So far this year, DNR said it has had 408 wildfire starts throughout the state.