Some Fire Restrictions Ease On WDFW Lands

OLYMPIA, WA — State officials are beginning to lift seasonal fire restrictions in certain areas as the weather begins to shift. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife lifted most restrictions on campfires and other fires over the weekend, though some will stay in place through the end of the month.

"While wildfire risk remains high in some areas, the risk of large fires is low and the state's capacity to fight fires is good," said Cynthia Wilkerson, WDFW's lands division manager. "We know folks are eager to enjoy the outdoors this fall season, and we continue to encourage people to recreate with extreme caution to help prevent wildfires. This includes using alternatives to campfires such as propane stoves and cooking and fully extinguishing any campfires that do occur."

Campfire bans will remain in place through Oct. 31 in the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area and Klickitat Wildlife Area due to drier conditions, officials said.

Other outdoor fire restrictions may still be in place on other state and federally-managed lands, and visitors should check for specific restrictions before heading out. Some counties still have stage two burn bans in effect, and multiple wildfires are still burning across the state.

Mount Rainier National Park lifted its parkwide fire ban in mid-September.