The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is expanding its burn ban to cover the entire state.
The ban will start on July 29 and run through Sept. 30.
A burn ban for DNR protected land in eastern Washington has been in effect since July 2. The ban may be extended or shortened based on fire weather.
"The arrival of summer weather creates greater danger for wildfires, which are serious threats to safety, property and habitat," Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark said in a Thursday press release. "We have already seen a number of roadside fires start on both sides of the Cascades. We must be cautious and vigilant to minimize the damage to our state."
The ban prohibits outdoor burning on all forestlands that DNR protects. Anyone caught violating the ban can face fines. DNR's ban does not apply to federally-owned land, such as national forests, parks, or national wildlife refuges.
Local counties and fire districts may have additional bans in place.
Cox Media Group
