Olympia - WDFW Lifts Fire Restrictions On Most Lands East Of The Cascades

OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has lifted restrictions on most department-managed lands in eastern Washington, where cooler temperatures have reduced fire danger.

Clay Sprague, WDFW land manager, said the department's action is consistent with changes in fire rules approved recently by the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which provides fire protection for many state wildlife areas.

“These changes reflect an easing of fire danger in eastern Washington, but we still urge campers and anyone else heading outdoors this fall to be extremely cautious while participating in any activity that could spark a wildfire,” Sprague said.

Sprague noted, however, that some localized restrictions will remain in place, including a campfire ban through Oct. 15 at all WDFW wildlife areas in Benton, Franklin, Yakima, and Kittitas counties.

Similarly, a campfire ban is in place at the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area in Grant and Adams counties through Oct. 31.

Maps and comprehensive information about WDFW's wildlife areas can be found at http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/wildlife_areas/.

Any further updates will be posted on WDFW's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov. For more information on fire danger in Washington, visit the DNR website at http://www.dnr.wa.gov/.