Wildfire season officially began Tuesday (April 15), and already the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has had 20 forest fires reported this year on lands it protects.
The risk of wildfires can change rapidly during the spring when warmer, dryer weather occurs with increasing frequency, according to a DNR news release.
Washington’s summer fire rules are in effect through Oct 15. The rules apply to the 13 million acres of private and state forest lands protected from wildfire by DNR.
The regulations affect loggers, firewood cutters, land clearers, road builders, bulldozer operators, off-road motorcyclists, and others. During fire season, people using motorized equipment in the woods must have approved spark arresters and follow fire safety precautions. In addition, those working in the woods must have fire prevention and extinguishing equipment in good working order at the job site and workers trained in proper use.
Daily fire risk ratings are available at www.dnr.wa.gov.
