The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that the statewide burn ban on DNR-protected lands, that had been extended twice, will expire tonight at midnight. Also, Naneum Ridge State Forest opens at midnight tonight, as fire danger caused by the Table Mountain fire is reduced by the recent rainfall and moderating temperatures.

“My thanks to the public for their help and restraint during a difficult and prolonged fire season,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark.  “The summer’s fires could have been a worse, but the public did everything they could to prevent wildfires.”

Lifting the statewide burn ban does not prevent local authorities from putting in place burn restrictions at the local level. Potential burners and the public at large are reminded to check with those local authorities before burning. For local activities on DNR-protected lands, that information can be found at:  http://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/firedanger/BurnRisk.aspx

Also, industrial forest operations on DNR-protected lands are still being regulated under the requirements of the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) system. Individuals involved in forest operations will need to check for and follow restrictions as they apply to the area in which they intend to work. Information on any such restrictions can be found at: http://www.dnr.wa.gov/RecreationEducation/Topics/FireBurningRegulations/Pages/rp_fire_ifpl.aspx.aspx

DNR’s wildfire mission

Administered by Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark, DNR is responsible for preventing and fighting wildfires on 12.7 million acres of private, state and tribal-owned forestlands in Washington. DNR is the state’s largest on-call fire department. During fire season, this includes more than 700 DNR employees who have other permanent jobs with the agency and about 375 seasonal workers. DNR also participates in Washington’s coordinated interagency approach to firefighting.