FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2011
Fire danger rating increases to ‘moderate’ in Spokane and portions of Lincoln and Stevens County
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the following changes in fire danger rating on DNR-protected lands.
Effective midnight, July 1, 2011, the following changes will be implemented:
- In Spokane County, northern Lincoln County, and Fire Districts 1 and 2 in Stevens County, the fire danger rating has increased from ‘low’ to ‘moderate.’
- Okanogan County, Ferry County, Pend Oreille County, and Stevens County outside of Fire Districts 1 & 2 will remain at ‘low.’
Daily updates on fire danger ratings by county are available at 1-800-323-BURN or on DNR’s website at http://1.usa.gov/waburnmap .
DNR reminds everyone that there will be a statewide burn ban on all DNR-protected lands July 1, 2011, through September 30, 2011. This applies to all forestlands in Washington except for federal lands.
DNR’s wildfire mission
Administered by Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark, DNR is responsible for fighting wildfires on 12.7 million acres of private, state and tribal-owned forestlands in Washington. DNR is the state’s largest on-call fire department. During fire season, this includes more than 700 DNR employees who have other permanent jobs with the agency and about 375 seasonal workers. DNR participates in Washington’s coordinated interagency approach to firefighting. DNR also has wildfire prevention programs that help people create defensible space around their rural homes and communities, and restrict burning when there is higher wildfire risk.
Media Contacts:
Janet Pearce, Communications and Outreach, 360-902-1122, janet.pearce@dnr.wa.gov
Guy Gifford, DNR NE Region, 509-990-6218, guy.gifford@dnr.wa.gov
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