Autumn-like temperatures in Western Washington have led agencies to ease restrictions on outdoor burning.
The Department of Natural Resources announced effective Friday that campfires will once again be allowed within approved fire pits in designated campgrounds and DNR land.
However, the ban on burning on DNR lands in Eastern Washington and on debris burning statewide is still in effect.
“With this wetter weather in Western Washington, easing the burn ban in time to permit campfires over Labor Day weekend is the right thing to do,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark in a statement.
The Chehalis Fire Department has also lifted its restriction on recreational fires and outdoor cooking in time for the weekend.
Recreational and cooking fires are permitted in approved fire pits.
“I urge all (residents) to continue to practice fire safety at all times when dealing with any kind of fire or cooking appliances and to have adults operate these cooking devices or recreational fires,” Chehalis Police Chief Ken Cardinale wrote in a statement. “Having a fire extinguisher, water hose or bucket of water nearby in case of an accident adds an extra layer of protection in case of an accident.”
