FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2009
Fire danger in eastern Washington increases
Warming and drying conditions bring changes to silvicultural burning restrictions and Industrial Fire Precaution Level
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today that fire danger ratings have increased, resulting in burn restrictions in northeast Washington. Also, additional restrictions have been placed on some industrial operations on forestland.
DNR, in cooperation with local fire departments and districts, has placed restrictions on the type of silvicultural burns that are allowed on DNR-protected lands.
Effective midnight, June 30th, the following changes will be implemented:
- In Okanogan, Spokane, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, and Fire Districts 1 and 2 in Stevens County, the fire danger rating will increase to ‘high.’ All burning will be prohibited, and campfires will be allowed only in approved campfire rings.
- In Ferry County and Stevens County outside of Fire District 1 and 2, the fire danger rating will increase to ‘moderate’ with no restrictions placed on rule burning or campfires.
- Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) Zone 684 will be raised to a ‘2’ which results in some restricted industrial operations.
Before burning, check local conditions and restrictions by calling 1-800-323-BURN (2876) or going to http://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/firedanger .
DNR’s wildfire mission
Administered by Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark, DNR is responsible for preventing and 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 also participates in Washington’s coordinated interagency approach to firefighting.
Media Contact: Guy Gifford, DNR Northeast Region, 509-990-6218, guy.gifford@dnr.wa.gov .
# # #