The ground is charred after a brush fire near Rochester closed U.S. Highway 12 in early August. At least 12 homes were in danger at one point, but firefighters kept the blaze under control. Fire Danger in Southwest Washington is expected to get worse this year.
The city of Chehalis on Monday joined the city of Centralia and Lewis County in expanding the city’s burn ban to include recreational fires.
Chehalis restrictions also went into effect at midnight Monday.
The new restrictions prohibit all outdoor burning, including recreational fires or charcoal briquettes. Only liquid gas or propane appliances with on and off controls are permitted.
“This decision is made in consideration of the already increased risk of rapid fire development from dry seasonal conditions and the absence of rain in the long-range weather forecasts,” a press release from the Chehalis Fire Department reads.
The fire department is urging
residents to be attentive to their properties and take steps to prevent fires.
The burn ban will be in effect until otherwise announced by the city of Chehalis.
“While it is recognized that this action may alter recreational plans, the decision to expand the burn restriction to a total burn ban reflects the priority of public safety and the protection of property,” according to the Chehalis Fire Department.
The Board of Lewis County Commissioners voted to ratify the county’s burn ban Monday morning, several hours after it had gone into effect.
The county and city of Centralia burn bans also prohibit recreational fires.
The state Department of Natural Resources lists fire danger as high in Lewis County. All debris burning on DNR protected lands has been prohibited since July 19. However, the DNR has yet to ban recreational fires on its land, as long as those fires are limited to approved fire pits.
