The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has banned rule burns, permit burns, and all campfires on lands it protects throughout its Northwest Region, as hot, dry summer weather has increased wildfire danger in the area.

 

These restrictions now mean campfires are banned on all DNR-protected lands in Washington.

 

“Our landscapes are already dry and only getting drier, and we’ve all felt the smoke in the air,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. “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 so we can all breathe easier.”

 

This ban includes Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties.

 

A campfire ban in southwest Washington was announced earlier today, and bans were previously announced for the Olympic Peninsula and South Puget Sound.

 

This restriction is a critical step in reducing potential wildfire ignition sources as fire dangers continue to stay elevated. Fuels across Washington remain dry, and critical fire weather is forecast for this week.

  

For people recreating throughout the region on DNR-protected lands, propane or butane camp stoves and backpacking stoves are still allowed.

 

DNR’s Northwest Region, headquartered in Sedro Woolley, manages more than 387,000 acres of state trust. A map of DNR’s regions is available at dnr.wa.gov/about/dnr-regions-and-districts

 

###

 

Communications Manager

360-902-1000