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DNR scales back burn restrictions following rain

By Lauren Smith
Before Sunday's rain, an open-fire cooking demonstration by the Boy Scouts at the Lake Sylvia State Park Fall Festival was canceled because of fire danger on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2016.
Before Sunday's rain, an open-fire cooking demonstration by the Boy Scouts at the Lake Sylvia State Park Fall Festival was canceled because of fire danger on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2016. Tony Overman toverman@theolympian.com

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources has eased its recreational burning restrictions, specifically involving campfires, the agency announced Tuesday.

Beginning at midnight Wednesday, recreational campfires will be allowed in approved campgrounds in Washington protected by DNR.

All other forms of outdoor burning are still prohibited, the release says, with potential for wildfires still lingering.

“We’re thankful to have rain help wet our landscapes, but as we saw with a quick-moving fire east of Ellensburg Sunday evening, we’re not out of fire season quite yet,” Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz said in an agency news release. “I urge everyone to check with their local authorities before lighting campfires.”

Thurston County’s fire danger rating has been reduced to moderate, but its recreational burn ban remains in effect until the end of September.

Lauren Smith: 360-754-5473, @smithlm12

This story was originally published September 19, 2017 at 3:38 PM with the headline "DNR scales back burn restrictions following rain."

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