High fire danger rating in several counties

Moderate rating in Okanogan, Pend Oreille and Ferry counties

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today the following changes in fire danger rating and burn restrictions on DNR-protected lands.

Effective midnight, July 2, 2013, the following changes will be implemented:

In Spokane and Lincoln counties and Fire Districts 1 and 2 in Stevens County, the fire danger rating will increase from ‘moderate’ to ‘high.’
In Okanogan and Pend Oreille counties, the fire danger will increase from ‘low’ to ‘moderate.’
Effective midnight, July 5, 2013, the following changes will be implemented:
Ferry County and Stevens County, outside of Fire Districts 1 & 2, will increase to ‘moderate.’

Statewide burn ban

In an effort to reduce human-caused wildfires, DNR issued a statewide burn ban on all DNR-protected lands, effective July 1, 2013, through September 30, 2013. The ban includes all forestlands in Washington except for federal lands. Campgrounds may have additional burn restrictions in place. Campers should check with their campground host before starting a campfire.

With fire season upon us, homeowners are encouraged to take Firewise steps (go towww.firewise.org) to decrease the risk of wildfire destroying their home.

Also, DNR provides technical and financial assistance to landowners to help in thinning trees to reduce fire hazard and increase forest health. For more information call the Northeast Region office at (509) 684-7474.