News brief: DNR eases outdoor burning restrictions

By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

CHEHALIS – Continued fall weather conditions have led the state Department of Natural Resources to lift its outdoor burning ban on the forest lands it’s responsible for protecting from wildfires in Western Washington, as of 12:01 a.m. today.

A prohibition on outdoor burning put in place in unincorporated areas of Lewis County on Aug. 2 has yet to be rescinded, but in the past the county has followed the lead of the state agency, often within a day or two.

Recreational campfires were prohibited for a period but were allowed again beginning Labor Day weekend.

““The fall weather pattern shows us it’s time to lift western Washington’s burn ban,” Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark stated in a news release. “It will also permit us to ease the burn ban east of the Cascades by allowing campfires in some locations.”

County burn bans may still be in effect in various locations throughout Washington, and residents should check with local fire districts for information.

DNR is responsible for preventing and fighting wildfires on 13 million acres of private, state and tribal-owned forest lands in Washington.

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