Local News

Fire Danger Increases in Eastern Washington

May 09, 2019

Due to warm, dry weather, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today the following changes in fire danger rating in Eastern Washington.

Effective Friday, May 10, 2019, fire danger will increase from low to moderate in Chelan, Foothills, Highlands, Kaniksu, Lower Basin, Lower Yakama, Methow, Upper Basin, Upper Yakama, and Valley Fire Danger Rating Areas.

New Fire Danger Rating System

In Eastern Washington, a new fire danger rating system has been implemented. Instead of basing the fire danger rating by county, it is now based on geographic areas that share similar fuels, climate, and topography in addition to administrative boundaries. The areas are now called Fire Danger Rating Areas (FDRAs). This change was developed with the intent of having a common fire behavior component, and was developed through interagency collaboration to help clarify messages among multiple agencies.

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 www.dnr.wa.gov/burn-restrictions and Industrial Fire Precaution Levels map www.dnr.wa.gov/IFPL.