State Wide Burn Ban in Wa

I would just use the propane fire pit without asking. How is it different than the gas BBQ everyone else is using?

We had a neighbor at Steamboat Rock SP that used one there with no issues? But, they would not allow his citronella candle in a small galvanized bucket.

Pangaea Ron wrote:
Francesca is right in that this burn ban is restricted to DNR lands, although some cities, counties and fire districts do have burn bans that would control burning on private property.

We use a propane fire pit in these situations, and have not had a problem with it's use. A private campground may have it's own rules.

We are currently "discussing" the propane fire issue with Sequim Bay State Park (where we are going this weekend). So far the answer has been "no" in spite of us telling them what DNR says about it. I have previously used the faux fire at Pearrygin Lake during full on burn bans (common out there in late summer) without any problems.

Francesca Knowles wrote:
I'm puzzled by the prohibition for "private campgrounds"- unless they're on land leased from the State, I question DNR's jurisdiction there.

As noted, the ban applies to " lands protected by DNR", and that protection doesn't extend to private property.

I believe it may extend to private property, hence the language. If you have private property adjacent to or within DNR lands, you are subject to the ban. DNR crews don't stop fighting fires at property lines. I wonder if it's because they are using up all the DNR crews on the fires they are fighting right now....and we have potential lightning this weekend.

Francesca is right in that this burn ban is restricted to DNR lands, although some cities, counties and fire districts do have burn bans that would control burning on private property.

We use a propane fire pit in these situations, and have not had a problem with it's use. A private campground may have it's own rules.

I'm puzzled by the prohibition for "private campgrounds"- unless they're on land leased from the State, I question DNR's jurisdiction there.

As noted, the ban applies to " lands protected by DNR", and that protection doesn't extend to private property.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 30, 2013

Commissioner of Public Lands bans all outdoor burning
Recreation fires and prescribed burns banned

OLYMPIA - Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark has banned all outdoor fires on lands protected by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Hot and dry conditions have made the potential for wildfire unusually high on both sides of the Cascade Mountains. Significant demands are being placed upon our fire suppression resources from both regional and statewide firefighting efforts. This ban is now in effect through September 30 and prohibits campfires in developed campgrounds and other recreational fires. The ban also prohibits prescribed burns.

"Now is the time to be vigilant. It is everyone's responsibility to be appropriately cautious during this season," Goldmark said. "The risk of wildfire is unusually high and the consequences could be catastrophic. We have hundreds of firefighters fighting two major wildfires and numerous smaller fires in Washington State. Our resources are stretched thin."

Wildfires are often ignited by lightning, and this week's weather forecasts indicate a significant potential for lightning-caused wildfires. Most fires are caused by human activities. Some of the most destructive fire threats to our state's wildlands and homes in rural areas can be traced to three sources: carelessly tended outdoor fires, indefensible home sites, and sparks caused by equipment or vehicles.

Statewide burn ban
In an effort to reduce human-caused wildfires, DNR has issued a statewide burn ban on all lands under DNR protection, effective through September 30. The ban applies to all forestlands in Washington State, except federal lands, and prohibits campfires in all state, local and private campgrounds.

With fire season upon us, DNR encourages homeowners to take steps to decrease the risk of wildfire destroying their homes. Learn more about Firewise Communities(r) at www.firewise.org.

Fire safety information

No campfires are allowed on any land protected by DNR, even in developed campgrounds.
Be sure recreational vehicles have operating spark arresters.
Do not park any vehicles in dry, grassy areas as residual heat from exhaust systems can ignite the dry grass.
It is illegal to discharge fireworks or use incendiary ammunition or exploding targets on DNR-protected lands.
Stay connected during wildfire season

DNR's Fire Twitter: twitter.com/waDNR_fire
Incident Information System (InciWeb): inciweb.nwcg.gov/state/49/
Media Contact: Janet Pearce, Communications Manager, 360-902-1122, janet.pearce@dnr.wa.gov