OLYMPIA—Starting 12:01 a.m., Friday, June 21, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) banned dispersed campfires on lands it manages throughout its Southeast Region of Washington state as hot, dry summer weather is likely to increase wildfire danger in the area. Multiple wildfires are already actively burning in the region, DNR reports.

Fire dangers are prevalent across much of the rest of the 16-county region. Campfires will still be allowed in approved designated campgrounds but are otherwise banned across DNR-managed lands in the SE Region.

This restriction on dispersed campfires is a critical step to reduce potential wildfire ignition sources as fire dangers continue to stay elevated in the region.

For people recreating throughout the region on DNR-managed lands, propane or butane camp stoves and backpacking stoves are still allowed.

DNR’s Southeast Region, headquartered in Ellensburg, manages nearly 900,000 acres of state trust and conservation lands in Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Walla Walla, Whitman, and Yakima counties, as well as portions of Lincoln and Skamania counties.

SOURCE: Washington State Department of Natural Resources