DNR Announces Early Burn Ban, Effective Friday

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that Eastern Washington is under an early burn ban on DNR protected lands, effective Friday. This applies to the Wenatchee Valley area, Moses Lake area and Okanogan area.

"The current burn ban is for the areas that the Department of Natural Resources protects. It's all private forest land and state land," said Guy Gifford, fire prevention forester.

All outdoor burning on DNR protected lands is not allowed, including permit burning and small debris pile burning.

"We're expecting a very dry system coming in with gusty winds over the next couple of days," said Gifford. "We have that dead grass from last year, that dries out very easily in dry conditions and those gusty winds can cause a rapid fire spread."

Gifford added with the COVID-19 virus, the DNR is implementing the burn ban as a way to keep firefighters and first responders healthy and able to respond to other emergencies as well.

Folks should always call 1-800-323-BURN before burning for burn restrictions and conditions.