Regional News

Fire Danger Increases in Portions of Eastern Washington

May 13, 2021

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in cooperation with partner agencies, has increased the fire danger rating in the Valley Fire Danger Rating Area (FDRA). The new restriction is a response to increasing fire danger and an increase in fires caused by people burning debris outdoors.

Warming temperatures have dried grasses, and grassy areas are more receptive to even a single spark, which can cause a wildfire.

Effective Friday, May 14, 2021

Fire Danger rating increases from low to moderate in the Valley FDRA.

Visit https://burnportal.dnr.wa.gov/ to view burn restrictions effective in a particular area.

Check to find your Fire Danger Rating Area at https://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/protection/firedanger/

The best way to be certain a burn pile fully extinguished is to dig into the ash and feel the area with the back of your hand to make sure there is no heat left. It is common for rain to create a cap over the ash, with heat remaining inside. Winds can weaken the cap and allow the pile to reignite. Campfires should be doused with water and stirred until all coals are completely extinguished and is cool to the touch.

A misdemeanor citation will be issued to those who do not comply with a DNR burn restriction. A misdemeanor citation will also be issued for people who do not follow the rules and conditions of their burn permits. If proven negligent, the offender will be billed for the fire suppression costs.

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 https://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/protection/firedanger/ and Industrial Fire Precaution Levels map https://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/protection/ifpl/.