OLYMPIA — The state Department of Natural Resources has expanded a burn ban to Western Washington as the fire danger rises on the North Olympic Peninsula.
DNR expanded the ban, which had been in effect in Eastern Washington, to the west side of the state Friday, citing a heat wave and rapidly increasing fire danger throughout the state.
The day before, DNR raised the fire danger in Clallam and Jefferson counties from “low” to “moderate.”
The burn ban, in place through Sept. 30, expands the prohibition against all outdoor burning on DNR lands with two exceptions: recreational fires in approved fire pits within designated campgrounds, and gas or propane stoves and grills.
Burn bans for all outdoor burning except recreational fires have been in place for Clallam and Jefferson counties since July 1 and will be effective until Oct. 1, unless conditions warrant tighter restrictions.
Fire crews have responded to 265 fires on DNR-protected lands statewide this season.
Most of them were caused by people, DNR said.
