By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
Even the spark from a mower blade striking a rock can ignite a brush fire with the increasingly dry conditions, according to officials who are urging the public to take extra precautions to prevent wildfires.
Hundreds of firefighters are battling two major wildfires near Wenatchee and Goldendale, making demands upon both regional and statewide personnel and equipment, according to the state Department of Natural Resources.
Already limited outdoor burning has been restricted even further this week with the banning of campfires on all forestland and other property that is protected by DNR.
Lewis County put restrictions in place almost two weeks ago; although recreational fires in approved sites or receptacles are still allowed.
Most wildfires are human caused, according DNR, with sources such as welding or grinding metal out of doors, target shooting at rocks or metal, tossing lit cigarettes or even the hot mufflers of vehicles.
“Dry grass touching a vehicle’s hot exhaust system could start a major fire, especially when the wind is blowing,” Bruce Bjork, chief of enforcement for the state Department of Fish and Wildlife stated in a news release yesterday. “If you’re driving through the woods or open range, please stay on the road surface until you find a paved or graveled area to park.”