OLYMPIA — The state wildfire season began Saturday, as specified by state law, despite the rating of low fire danger in all the state’s counties.
“All this snow and rain may delay our fire season, but our forests always face the threat of wildfire,” said Hilary Franz, commissioner of public lands.
“We’re going to do everything we can to be ready for fire season, and I encourage all our neighbors to do the same.”
Washington’s summer fire rules are in effect through Oct. 15. These rules apply to the 13 million acres of private and state forestlands protected from wildfire by the state Department of Natural Resources.
The regulations affect loggers, firewood cutters, land clearers, road builders, heavy-equipment operators and off-road motorcyclists, among others.
During fire season, people using motorized equipment in the woods must have approved spark arresters and follow fire safety precautions, the state said. In addition, those working in the woods must have fire prevention and extinguishing equipment in working order at the job site and workers trained in proper use.
Property owners can reduce fire risk to their homes and lands by keeping dead vegetation off roofs and away from buildings, the state said.
Last year, more than 16,400 acres of lands protected by the state Department of Natural Resources were consumed by 807 wildfires, DNR said. Of those wildfires, 90 percent were caused by people, the department said.
