Dry conditions and gusty winds have prompted the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to impose an early-season burn ban in Eastern Washington starting last Friday (April 10).
The order bans the burning of small brush piles and burns that require a permit on all DNR-protected lands, which include both public and private land. The ban includes the Methow, Valley and Highlands fire danger rating areas in Okanogan County.
Daily updates on burn restrictions and industrial fire precaution levels are available at 1-800-323-BURN or on the Fire Danger and Outdoor Burning risk map at http://www.fortress.wa.gov/dnr/protection/firedanger.
Additionally, The state Department of Ecology is recommending against outdoor burning this spring. Burning yard waste can lead to wildfires, and creates smoke that makes it hard to breathe, Ecology said in a press release. Not burning will benefit first responders and health workers, Ecology said. Visit http://www.ecology.wa.gov for more information.
