Burn Ban Now In Place In Forests Of Eastern Washington

OLYMPIA — Washington state officials have announced a burn ban for state-protected lands east of the Cascade Mountains.

The ban begins Wednesday and runs through Sept. 30.

It applies to state forests, state parks and forest lands that are protected by the Department of Natural Resources. It doesn't cover federal lands such as national parks or national forests.

The ban means all outdoor burning in forest lands in Eastern Washington is prohibited, though recreational fires in approved fire pits within designated state, county, municipal and other campgrounds are still allowed.

Fireworks and incendiary devices, such as exploding targets, are prohibited on all state lands protected by DNR. Charcoal briquettes also are not allowed.

So far this year, there have been 241 wildfires throughout the state.