Campers and other forestland users are reminded that the state Department of Natural Resources has a statewide burn ban in effect through Sept.30.
The ban, which took effect July 1, is meant to reduce human-caused wildfires. It covers all DNR-protected lands in Washington except for federal lands, which have their own published restrictions.
So far this year, there have been 992 wildfires across Washington, burning more than 81,000 acres. More than two-thirds of all fires in the state this season, 675, have been caused by humans. Across the Northwest, there have been more than 2,200 wildfires that have burned across more than 1.35 million acres.
Campgrounds may have additional burn restrictions in place. Campers should check with their campground host before starting a campfire. The U.S Forest Service’s Cle Elum and Naches ranger districts, for example, have banned all wood and charcoal campfires outside of the wilderness areas including developed campgrounds.
Under the current ban, campfires are only authorized in approved campgrounds with approved fire rings. The use of gas and propane barbecues and self-contained stoves are allowed.
Other bans
State Department of Fish and Wildlife
The department has prohibited campfires and other activities on all agency-managed lands. The order prohibits:
Fires or campfires: Personal camp stoves or lanterns fueled by liquid petroleum, liquid petroleum gas or propane are allowed.
Smoking: Unless in an enclosed vehicle.
Target shooting: Except at shooting ranges developed by the department.
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.
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie and Olympic national forests
Open campfires and smoking are banned.
Wood and charcoal fires are allowed only in developed and group campgrounds that have established concrete or steel-grated fire pits or rings. Building and tending open campfires, including charcoal briquettes, cooking fires and warming fires are prohibited until further notice.
Allowable sources for cooking or heat include portable stoves or lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel.
Smoking is allowed within enclosed vehicles, buildings and developed recreation sites.
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