FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2010
Winds pushing wildfires across Eastern Washington
Conditions ripe for wildfire; DNR urges caution
OLYMPIA – High winds and dry conditions are contributing to a growing number of wildland fires in Eastern Washington today. Listed below are fires currently being fought by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Fires currently burning
- Highway 8 Complex (Klickitat County): Snowden Road & Appleton Road junction; 1,000 acres and running (spreading fast at times); fire burning in grassland; several fire units and crews are on the scene or enroute; DNR is using helicopters with water buckets.
- Fish Hatcheries Road (Ferry County): 100-plus acres; aircraft are using retardant on the fire.
- Slide Creek near Arden (Stevens County): 25-plus acres. One structure was burned.
- Cheney (Spokane County): 200 acres; fire lines have been made around the blaze.
- Davenport (Lincoln County): Approximately 200 acres; fire mop-up is in progress.
Get updates online
Resources of fire-related information include:
Daily updates on burn restrictions and Industrial Fire Precaution Levels by zone are available on DNR’s website at www.dnr.wa.gov or by calling 1-800-323-BURN. The direct link to a map of all IFPL zones in Washington State is: http://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/ifpl/IFPL.aspx
DNR statewide burn ban
In an effort to reduce preventable wildfires, DNR issued a statewide burn ban covering all DNR-protected lands through September 30, 2010. The ban includes all forestlands in Washington except for federal lands. During the ban, designated campgrounds may allow campfires in approved fire pits. DNR or the campground may put additional restrictions in place, including a ban on campfires, depending on weather conditions.
Media Contact: Bob Redling, Senior Communications Manager, 360-902-1149, bob.redling@dnr.wa.gov
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