Regional News

WDFW lifts fire restrictions on most lands in eastern Washington

Sep 20, 2019

With cooler temperatures and high humidity, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has lifted fire restrictions on most department-managed lands in eastern Washington.

Cynthia Wilkerson, WDFW Lands Division manager, said the department's action is consistent with the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which has also eased burn ban restrictions.

"We are pleased that Washingtonians can once again build campfires and responsibly sight in their hunting firearms on most of our lands. This change reflects an easing of fire danger in eastern Washington, but we continue to urge hunters, campers, and all others heading outdoors to be extremely cautious while participating in any activity that could spark a wildfire," Wilkerson said.

She noted that some restrictions will remain in place in south central Washington, including a campfire ban through Oct. 15 at all WDFW wildlife areas in Benton, Franklin, Yakima, and Kittitas counties, as these habitats remain more vulnerable to fire longer into the fall.

Similarly, a campfire ban is in place through Oct. 31 at the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area in Grant and Adams counties and at the Klickitat Wildlife Area in Klickitat County due to their drier, more sensitive nature.

WDFW institutes these bans in the hot, summer months to reduce fire risk across the state, not only on our lands, but on surrounding public lands and communities. This action protects habitat, wildlife, and people, including their ability to enjoy our public lands.

For more information on fire danger in Washington, visit the DNR website at http://www.dnr.wa.gov.

Maps and detailed information about WDFW's wildlife areas can be found online at https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/wdfw-lands.

WDFW actively manages over 700,000 acres in eastern Washington and about 1 million acres statewide to preserve natural and cultural heritage, provide access for hunting, fishing, and wildlife-related recreation, and to foster experiences for thousands of Washingtonians and visitors each year.