Campfires now allowed in state parks, lands west of Cascades

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Campfires are now allowed in state parks and state-protected lands west of the Cascade Mountains.

On Saturday, the state Department of Natural Resources began allowing campfires in official campgrounds on Western Washington lands it protects.

Wood and charcoal campfires are also allowed in state parks in Western Washington and ocean beaches in the Seashore Conservation Area.

But outdoor burning is still prohibited at state parks and state-protected lands in Eastern Washington because of dry conditions.

The Lewis County Sheriff's office also said Friday that all outdoor burning, including recreational fires, is still prohibited in unincorporated parts of the county until further notice.

Residents are urged to check local restrictions before starting campfires.