Methow Valley rated a high-risk area
The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has banned all burning of vegetation in the Methow Valley Fire Danger Rating Area (FDRA) because of dry conditions.
Even organic-debris piles small enough not to require a permit were banned. DNR also raised the fire danger in the Methow FDRA to “high” as of Friday (June 14), meaning it is one of the areas with the highest risk of wildfire in the state.
Because DNR protects some private property, the ban can include campfires in unimproved areas near homes, so people should check with Okanogan County Fire District No. 6.
Other regions off limits to debris burning — and at high risk of wildfire — are the Chelan, Upper and Lower Yakama, Lower Basin, Northern Blue Mountains, and the Blue Mountains Grass and Brush fire rating areas.
In conjunction with other fire-management agencies, DNR recently adopted new FDRAs, which are based on the presence of similar fuels, climate and topography. The Methow FDRA covers areas west of the Okanogan River. The new designations replace county boundaries and are intended to more accurately address fire risk in Eastern Washington.
Campfires are allowed in approved, designated DNR campgrounds only. Individual campgrounds may prohibit campfires, so people are advised to check with the campground host before lighting a fire. Fireworks and incendiary devices are illegal on all lands protected by DNR.
The Okanogan County commissioners issue a resolution banning all outdoor burning every year when the potential for catastrophic fires is high. They discussed a burn ban this week and plan to issue the ban on Monday (June 24), according to the clerk of the board.
Campfires are currently allowed in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and Methow Valley Ranger District, except in wilderness areas, where campfires are always restricted.
Although campfires are not prohibited, Forest Service fire officials are nevertheless concerned about the risk of wildfire, particularly because the forest is already dry. Firefighters extinguish one or two abandoned campfires almost every weekend, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
Fireworks are illegal in the national forest year-round. There are penalties of up to $5,000, or six months in jail, for fireworks possession in the forest.
Wood fires are allowed in designated fire pits and grills at Pearrygin Lake and Alta Lake state parks.
