OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today it will lift its campfire and other remaining fire restrictions on most Department-managed lands starting today, Sept. 29.
“We have seen major decreases in the fire danger statewide since last week as the recent round of storms came through this past weekend,” said Cynthia Wilkerson, WDFW’s lands division manager. “We know folks are eager to enjoy the outdoors this fall season and are pleased to be able to repeal these restrictions today. Fire danger remains high in the White Salmon and Chelan areas, but most eastside areas have moved from high to moderate and remains low in Blue Mountains due to recent rain events.”
Campfire restrictions for WDFW’s South Central Region including Benton, Franklin, Yakima and Kittitas counties will be in place through Oct. 15. A campfire ban remains in place through Oct. 15 at the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area in Adams and Grant counties. A campfire ban also remains in place through Oct. 31 at the Klickitat Wildlife Area in Klickitat County due to their drier, more sensitive nature. Campfires are always restricted on the Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area.
WDFW institutes campfire bans in hot summer months to reduce fire risk across the state on Department-managed lands and surrounding public lands and communities. These actions help protect habitat, wildlife, and human health.
“There has been an increased understanding of the need for these restrictions amid large, damaging wildfires in recent years,” Wilkerson said. “We thank the public for helping reduce the risk of wildfire, and continue to encourage people to recreate responsibly to prevent wildfires. This includes using alternatives to campfires such as propane stoves for cooking and fully extinguishing any campfires that do occur.”
Outdoor recreationists are encouraged to check fire restrictions for various public land management agencies before they go, as they can vary. For more information about fires and fire prevention on public lands, visit the Washington State Department of Natural Resources website or the U.S. Forest Service website. For local restrictions, residents should contact their county.
Maps and detailed information about WDFW’s 33 wildlife areas are available on WDFW’s website. More information about Recreate Responsibly is available at Caution: EmailHosting.cloud has detected a possible phishing attempt from “lnks.gd” claiming to be recreateresponsibly.org/.
WDFW manages more than a million acres of land and hundreds of water access areas throughout the state. By actively managing lands, restoring habitats, and preserving wild places, the Department serves as stewards for Washington’s natural places, protecting the state’s land and water for its human and wildlife populations.