With fire danger increasing ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz has signed an order issuing a statewide burn ban on all forest lands under the Washington State Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) fire protection.
Effective tomorrow, July 2, the order bans outdoor burning, campfires, the use of charcoal briquettes and prescribed burns on all forest lands within DNR’s fire protection through Sept. 30, 2021. This date may be extended or shortened depending on fire conditions.
This order supersedes all other burn bans currently in effect on forest lands within the state of Washington under the Department of Natural Resources’ fire protection.
Fire danger has increased following prolonged drought, a record-breaking heat wave and forecasted winds that can spread a wildfire quickly through the dry grasses and forests. Fireworks are expected to further increase that danger over the Fourth of July weekend.
“The record-breaking temperatures we saw last weekend have left our state bone dry,” said Commissioner Franz, “and the risks from fireworks and other holiday activities make the situation even more precarious. I am asking everyone in Washington to do their part to protect our firefighters and our communities this summer. Please do not start a fire outside, and please do not set off your own fireworks this weekend.”
Residents who see smoke should call 911 to report the fire. For tips on how to stay safe during fire season, go to https://www.dnr.wa.gov/WildfirePrevention.
Wildfire statistics can be found on DNR’s Fire Dashboard at http://fireinfo.dnr.wa.gov/.
The signed statewide burn ban order can be seen here.
Effective Friday, July 2, 2021:
- All campfires are prohibited in the following Fire Danger Rating Areas (FDRAs): Chelan, Foothills, Highlands, Kaniksu, Lower Basin, Lower Yakima, Methow, Upper Basin, Upper Yakima and Valley
- Fire danger will increase to high in the following FDRA: Kaniksu
- Fire danger will increase to very high in the following FDRAs: Chelan, Foothills, Highlands, Lower Yakima, Methow, Upper Basin, Upper Yakima and Valley.
- Fire danger will increase to extreme in the following FDRA: Lower Basin
- Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will increase to Level 3 in zones: 609E, 609W, 675. 678, 684 and 686.
- IFPL will increase to Level 2 in zones 678E, 678W, 680, 685, 687 and 688.
Residents can find their Fire Danger Rating Area online at https://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/protection/firedanger/ and burn restrictions at https://burnportal.dnr.wa.gov/.
More information on the IFPL system is available at http://www.dnr.wa.gov/ifpl
