State closes logging in Eastern Washington because of fires



OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — State officials have closed logging and other business activities in eastern Washington forests because of the extreme fire danger.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources announced on Wednesday a Level 4 Industrial Fire Precaution Level for the eastern half of the state.

Banned activities include timber harvest and road construction. The ban will be phased in county-by-county, with some restrictions starting Wednesday and others beginning on Thursday and Friday.