OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee today announced an extension to the burn he ordered last week that includes a ban on most outdoor and agricultural burning for 20 counties east of the crest of the Cascades. The burn ban, which was scheduled to end at noon today, is extended one week until noon Friday, August 1.
“While fire crews have made significant progress over the past week in bringing the fires under control, weather conditions are still a concern and we need to continue erring on the side of safety,” Inslee said. “Resources are still stretched thin and we want everything we have focused on containing the remaining fires and helping impacted families.”
The governor signed an amended proclamation last week to implement the burn ban. Outdoor burning includes but is not limited to:
- Campfires
- Bonfires
- Residential yard debris clean-up, trash disposal, land clearing, weed abatement and agricultural burning activity; and
- Ignition of fireworks
Liquid fueled or gas-fueled stoves are permitted provided the use is conducted over a non-flammable surface and at least five feet from flammable vegetation. Charcoal grills are permitted at private residences under the same conditions. Campfires at designated areas in state, county and municipal parks and campgrounds can continue in accordance with current and ongoing restrictions. Campers and visitors should check on the restrictions in place at individual parks.
Any restrictions in place by local jurisdictions that are more restrictive than that of the governor’s proclamation will remain in effect. The restrictions in the governor’s amended emergency proclamation have the same force as law, and include criminal penalties for violations.
A state of emergency went into effect on July 14 in 20 Eastern Washington counties in response to multiple wildfires threatening homes, businesses, public infrastructure and natural resources. The governor’s emergency proclamation covers Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whitman and Yakima counties.