Burn Ban Extended To Western Washington State

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — A burn ban is now in effect for all state-protected lands in Washington because of increasing fire danger.

The state Department of Natural Resources on Monday extended a burn ban to Western Washington. A similar ban began in Eastern Washington last week.

The ban means all outdoor burning is prohibited in state forests, state parks and forestlands protected by the state agency. It doesn't cover federal lands such as national parks or national forests.

Recreational fires in approved fire pits within designated state, county, municipal and other campgrounds are still allowed. But fireworks and incendiary devices, such as exploding targets, are prohibited on all state lands protected by DNR.

The statewide ban runs through Sept. 30.

So far this year, there have been more than 300 wildfires throughout the state.