The Washington State Department of Natural Resources asks campers, woods workers and other forest visitors to be especially careful with fire this weekend.
DNR has a burn ban in place until September 30 for all 12.7 million acres of public and private lands it protects from wildfire. During the ban, campfires may be allowed, but only in approved fire pits in designated campgrounds. Campers are not allowed to build their own fire pits.
“Eighty-five percent of Washington’s wildfires are human-caused,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark. “Help us stop wildfires before they start.”
DNR suggests always checking to see if there are additional local restrictions on campfires before leaving home to go camping or hiking. Because campgrounds may choose to ban campfires, it’s best to check with the campground host before lighting a campfire.
In areas where campfires are allowed, DNR asks the public to please follow these suggestions:
- Use an existing fire ring; don’t create a new one.
- Clear all vegetation away from the fire ring (remove all flammable materials, such as needles, leaves, sticks, etc.).
- Keep your campfire small.
- Keep plenty of water and a shovel nearby for throwing dirt on the fire if it gets out of control.
- Never leave a campfire unattended.
When putting out your campfire, you should:
- First, drown the campfire with water.
- Next, mix the ashes and embers with soil. Scrape all partially-burned sticks and logs to make sure all the hot embers are off of them.
- Stir the embers after they are covered with water and make sure everything is wet.
- Feel the coals, embers, and any partially-burned wood with your hands. Everything should be cool to the touch.
- When you think you are done, take an extra minute and add more water. Stir the remains, add more water, and stir again.
- If you don’t have water, use moist dirt. Be careful not to bury any hot or burning material, as it can smolder and later start a wildfire.
- Finally, check the entire campsite for possible sparks or embers; it only takes one to start a forest fire.
- If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.
Remember, a little extra care takes only a few minutes of your time, and it could prevent a wildfire.
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