Washington State Department of Natural Resources Downgrades Fire Danger Rating

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SPOKANE, Washington

Fire danger ratings in four northeastern Washington counties – Spokane, Stevens, Lincoln and Ferry – will drop from 'high' to 'moderate' level this Friday, September 10. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges continued caution with all potential fire sources, including tools, vehicles, camp stoves and other equipment and activities.

The fire danger rating for Okanogan County will remain in high status, and the fire danger rating for Pend Oreille County remains moderate. The fire danger rating system is a guide to citizens and public safety agencies about the potential growth and behavior of wildfire.

Although recent moisture has lowered the fire danger rating in several Washington counties, many areas of the state are still dry and a DNR statewide burn ban is in effect through September 30.

Burn ban remains in effect

DNR's statewide burn ban applies to all forestlands in Washington, except for federal lands, through September 30. The ban allows recreational fires in approved fire pits at designated state, county, municipal or other campgrounds. Because campgrounds may have additional burn restrictions, campers should check with their campground host before building a campfire.

Get updates online

Check local conditions and restrictions by calling 1-800-323-BURN (2876) or go to the DNR Fire Danger web page: http://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/firedanger.

Additional sources of fire-related information include:

• DNR's Twitter feed: Follow DNR at: http://twitter.com/waDNR
• Daily updates on burn restrictions and Industrial Fire Precaution levels for those who work on forestlands are available on DNR's website at www.dnr.wa.gov.
  

DNR's wildfire mission

Administered by Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark, DNR is responsible for preventing and fighting wildfires on 12.7 million acres of private, state and tribal-owned forestlands in Washington. DNR is the state's largest on-call fire department. During fire season, this includes more than 700 DNR employees who have other permanent jobs with the agency and about 375 seasonal workers. DNR also participates in Washington's coordinated interagency approach to firefighting.


Author:Washington Dept. of Natural Resources News Release