Washington’s summer fire rules officially began Sunday

Prevention measures to protect life and property are in effect April 15-Oct. 15 on 13 million acres of DNR-protected lands.

Even with this wet, rainy spring, Washington’s summer fire rules officially begin Sunday, April 15, as specified by state law.

“Whether fire season is delayed or not, Washington’s forests always face the threat of wildfire,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. “We’re preparing now to be ready for fire season before the weather heats up, and I encourage all our neighbors to do the same.”

Property owners can reduce fire risk to their homes and lands by keeping dead vegetation off roofs and away from buildings. The Firewise program explains how to use these techniques and offers incentives to communities who follow Firewise principles.

While mountain basins currently have an above average snowpack, the risk of wildfires can change rapidly during spring’s warmer, dryer weather. Among other things, that means people working in the woods or clearing land need to have fire prevention equipment on hand. Prediction for this summer’s weather is available:

• Snowpack https://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/ftpref/data/water/wcs/gis/maps/wa_swepctnormal_update.pdf

• Temperature and Precipitation Anomalies – http://www.prism.oregonstate.edu/comparisons/anomalies.php

• Climate Mapper – https://climatetoolbox.org/tool/climate-mapper

Last year, more than 32,800 acres of DNR-protected lands were consumed by 815 wildfires. Out of 815 wildfires, 90 percent were human-caused.

Washington’s summer fire rules

These regulations affect loggers, firewood cutters, land clearers, road builders, heavy equipment operators, off-road motorcyclists, and others. During fire season, people using motorized equipment in the woods must have approved spark arresters and follow fire safety precautions. In addition, those working in the woods must have fire prevention and extinguishing equipment in good working order at the job site and workers trained in proper use.

The rules are intended to prevent forest fires and to extinguish small fires before they spread to the forested lands. These rules restrict cigarette smoking in forested areas to roads, gravels pits, or other clearings and prohibit lighting fireworks on forestland.

stay connected during wildfire season

• DNR’s Fire Twitter: twitter.com/waDNR_fire

• DNR Fire Update: dnr.wa.gov/Wildfires

• Incident Information System (InciWeb): inciweb.nwcg.gov/

Industrial restrictions available by phone and Internet

Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL) may change daily and classify varying levels of potential fire hazard in different parts of the state. People who work in the woods must observe the IFPL. More information is available from the following sources:

· DNR’s website at dnr.wa.gov/ifpl. Click to review regional precaution levels, a map of current shutdown zones, and a copy of DNR’s Industrial Fire Precaution Level Bulletin.

· DNR’s toll-free business line at 1-800-527-3305 plays a message identifying daily industrial fire precaution levels, which are listed by geographical region. The hearing impaired can phone Telephone Device for the Deaf at 1-800-833-6388.

· Email DNR at RPD@dnr.wa.gov. Ask questions or request a copy of DNR’s Industrial Fire Precaution Level Bulletin or additional information on safe outdoor burning of forest debris and safe recreational campfire tips.