By Lewis County Sirens
CHEHALIS – With the arrival of warm summer temperatures and below normal precipitation in Western Washington, the Department of Natural Resources has expanded its burn ban to cover the entire state.
It begins today and runs through Sept. 30.
The ban means outdoor burning is prohibited on all forestlands that DNR protects from wildfire, according to the state agency. Anyone caught violating the burn ban can face fines. Prescribed ecological burns approved by DNR will be allowed if expressly approved by Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark.
Recreational fires in approved fire pits within designated state, county, municipal and other campgrounds are allowed.
DNR’s ban does not apply to federally-owned lands such as national forests. Counties and local fire districts may have additional burn restrictions.
Already this year, DNR has had 408 wildfire starts throughout the state.