OLYMPIA- On Sept. 2 the Washington State Department of Natural Resources increased thefire danger rating from “moderate” to “high” in Ferry and Stevens countiesoutside of Fire Districts 1 and 2 and also put restrictions on severalcampgrounds in Okanogan County.
The DNR will prohibit campfires in allDNR-managed campgrounds in Okanogan County, which includes Leader Lake,Sportsman Campground at Sweat Creak, Rock Creek Shelter, Rock Lake, PalmerLake, Chopaka Lake, North Fork Nine Mile, Toats Coulee, Toats Junction and ColdSprings.
Lincoln, Okanogan, Stevens (inside Fire Districts 1 and 2) andSpokane counties’ fire danger rating will remain “high.” Pend Oreille Countyfire danger will remain “moderate.”
The public is reminded that individualcampgrounds may ban campfires on a case-by-case basis; check with thecampground host before lighting a campfire. Motorists should also exercisecaution when driving on forest roads by avoiding dry grass and vegetation; hotexhaust systems can easily ignite dry grasses. Recreationists are encouraged tohave a shovel, water and a fire extinguisher available.
Remember, theDiscover Pass is needed when camping on DNR land. Learn more at www.discoverpass.wa.gov. For moreinformation about campgrounds on DNR-managed lands, visit www.dnr.wa.gov/recreation.
For dailyupdates on burn restrictions, call 1-800-323-BURN or visit DNR’s webpageshowing fire danger and burning restrictions by county: http://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/firedanger/BurnRisk.aspx.
Inan effort to reduce preventable wildfires, DNR issued a statewide burn bancovering all DNR-protected lands, effective July 1 through Sept. 30, 2011. Theban includes all forestlands in Washington except for federal lands. During theban, designated campgrounds may allow campfires in approved fire pits. DNR orthe campground management may put additional restrictions in place, including aban on campfires, depending on weather conditions.