Wildfire Prevention
   

Celebrate Wildfire Awareness Month this May. Learn what you can do to be prepared for wildfire. Read the official proclamation from Washington Gov. Jay Inslee.
 
 
Before lighting fire, please check for any local burn restrictions.
 
Take 90 seconds to watch this clip on campfires.
 
 
DNR works to prevent wildfires through education and the use of burn restrictions, Industrial Fire Precaution Levels and burn permits, which help people to modify their activities in accordance with the risk.

Using Equipment Safely

fire safety graphic
 
If your fire escapes, you will be responsible for paying for fire suppression personnel and equipment, as required by state law. 
  • Campfires are allowed only when a campfire burn restriction is not in place
  • Campfires are permitted on DNR-managed lands only in approved fire pits 
  • Ensure there is a shovel and buckets of water close by
  • Never walk away from a smoldering campfire.
  • Put the fire out cold before leaving - if it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave
Protect our forestlands by reporting illegal or unsupervised campfires to 911 or the DNR region office. 
 

Tips For Home Landscaping In Dry Conditions

fire safety graphic
 
  • Work in the mornings or late evenings to avoid the hottest parts of the day, and postpone your work when the weather calls for low humidity or high wind
  • Keep a water hose or bucket or fire extinguisher on hand
  • Use a nylon or plastic weed whacker line instead of metal
  • Be careful not to set a hot tool down on dry grass or leaves
  • Allow power engines to cool before refueling, and make sure the hot exhaust is kept away from dry grasses, weeds, and shrubs - only use such equipment that’s in good repair and has spark arresters installed. when applicable
  • Stay home for an hour after finishing your work - this way you’ll be around to notice if anything begins to smolder and smoke
  • If conditions are right for outdoor burning, keep your debris piles small and have a hose ready should your fire escape

Additional prevention tips 

  • Be sure recreation vehicles have operating spark arrestors
  • Do not park vehicles in dry, grassy areas as residual heat from exhaust systems can ignite the dry grass
  • Know the current wildfire risk in your county, destination, or area you may be working in 
  • Note: It's always illegal to light fireworks or use incendiary ammunition or exploding targets on DNR-protected lands
  • Learn more from our friend Smokey Bear

Safety flyers and tips for preventing wildfires

DNR is required by state law to investigate and then prosecute those discovered to have caused a wildfire. Please do your part to ensure that person is never you.