High Fire Danger Limits Activities in Yakima, Other Eastern Washington Counties
Due to the high fire danger, a number of Eastern Washington counties face restrictions.
Monday, the Department of Natural Resources issued Level 1 and Level 2 restrictions for numerous areas in Klickitat, Yakima, Chelan and Kittitas Counites.
Level 1 and 2 require various limits and fire protection measures for what are called industrial activities, such as wood cutting, use of chainsaws, logging and other operations in woodlands or forest areas.
They include having fire extinguishers, no overnight or evening operations in some areas, and after using chainsaws to cut wood, posting watch for an hour afterwards to make sure no fires or smoldering areas have been triggered.
The statewide burn ban is still in effect for 13 million acres overseen by DNR. More information and specific details are found at their website.
Campers are urged to consult their campground host or local fire protection district to make sure they know what limits there are with fires. Currently, in state parks and other DNR managed lands, there are no campfires allowed, even in firepits. Only propane cookers or other self-contained and controlled cooking devices are allowed due to the high fire danger.