Fire Danger Moves to “High”
The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has raised the fire danger level to high as of July 13th. This comes after only a week of the level being “Moderate.”
The “High” level means that dead fuels can ignite quickly and from any cause (lightening, sparks from machinery, any open flame). It also warns that any unattended legal fire can readily escape and spread rapidly. For firefighters, this also means to watch for high intensity burning—especially on slopes and dense fuel concentrations. Fire control becomes a serious matter and a quick response is needed.
The DNR burn ban remains in effect through September 30th on all forested lands under DNR jurisdiction. This means all outdoor burning is banned except recreational fires in approved fire pits.
The Stevens County Burn Ban went into effect July 11th and essentially covers all areas outside of the DNR jurisdiction, with the bottom line being: No fires unless in approved fire pits on private property or public campgrounds. As the summer progresses, please check with local campgrounds on their area’s burn bans.