Temporary burn restrictions include some Lincoln County area

OLYMPIA – Per the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, rule burning (small debris disposal fires) is not allowed in the following Fire Danger Rating Areas: in the Foothills, Upper Basin in Spokane and portions of Lincoln County north of Highway 2 effective April 16.

Warming temperatures have dried grasses, and grassy areas are now experiencing numerous wildfires started by outdoor debris burns. In the Northeast region, 100 wildfires have been started in 2021, including 46 since April 1. Of those 100 wildfires, 62 have been caused by people burning debris outdoors and failing to completely extinguish them. These escaped burns have burned over 217 acres this year.

This is expected to be temporary until “green up” begins, which should start after spring rains allow new grasses to grow.

Burning with a DNR permit and campfires are still allowed. A misdemeanor citation will be issued for people who do not follow the rules and conditions of their burn permits. If proven negligent, the offender will be billed for the fire suppression costs.

Daily updates on burn restrictions and Industrial Fire Precaution Levels are available at 1-800-323-BURN or on the Fire Danger and Outdoor Burning risk map at https://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/protection/firedanger/ and Industrial Fire Precaution Levels map https://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/protection/ifpl/.