With heat and drought increasing fire danger in western Washington, the State Department of Natural Resources expanded its burn ban to both DNR-protected lands in eastern Washington and land west of the Cascades.
Here are the most common questions and answers about the burn ban.
How long does the burn ban last?
June 22 until Sept. 30, 2015.
Where does it apply?
State forests, state parks and forest lands under Department of Natural Resources protection.
What about national parks?
It does not apply to national parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges or other areas administered by federal agencies.
Does the burn ban apply to state parks?
Yes, however small fires are allowed in approved camfire rings.
What about fires at Golden Gardens and Alki Beach in Seattle? Are those still allowed?
They are.
Golden Gardens and Alki are open from 4 a.m. until 11:30 p.m., but milled lumber is not allowed, even if untreated. So pallets will be a problem, but a bundle of wood won't be.
So I can’t have fires at home?
You’re fine at home in King County. There also is a burn ban issued for unincorporated King County, meaning no outdoor burning is allowed expect for small recreational fires in fire pits on approved campgrounds or private property.
A burn ban in Snohomish County began Monday and prohibits outdoor recreational fires larger than three feet in diameter.
Pierce County also has a burn ban starting June 23 that prohibits outdoor fires larger than 3 feet in diameter.
How is the burn ban enforced?
The State Department of Natural Resources has law enforcement officers watching for fires on protected lands on the west and east side of the state. “We also have some neighbors on watch out,” spokeswoman Janet Pearce said.
What is the fine if you're caught having a fire during the burn ban?
A minimum of $500 if you are fined, and that’s a misdemeanor citation Pearce said. “People lighting off fireworks could be fined $1,000,” she said.
What is the fine if you cause a wildfire?
“If your fire or fireworks cause a fire, you’re liable for the suppression costs,” Pearce said.
Suppression costs means whatever it takes to stop the wildfire – so the cost could be hundreds of thousands of dollars, or more.
Who do I call if I see someone violating the burn ban?
Call the Department of Natural Resources at 800-562-6010.
How many wildfires have there been so far in 2015?
There have been 306 wildfires throughout Washington as of June 22. Last year’s fire season with the biggest on record in the state, with Washington’s largest fire, the Carlton Complex, destroying more than 250,000 acres.
How much of Washington has been burned by wildfires?
Since 2009, more than 1 million acres.
DNR is awaiting legislative action this summer on requests for $4.5 million for additional firefighting teams and equipment, and $20 million to improve the health of drought-ravaged, flammable forests.
Where are fireworks legal?
Very few places. Follow this link to see where and when fireworks are legal in King County.
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