Burn Restrictions
Before lighting fire, please check for any local burn restrictions.
Does DNR have burn restrictions?
Human activities are the main cause of wildfires. DNR uses burn restrictions and when conditions warrant, a Commissioner Order Burn Ban, as a tool to reduce human-caused wildfires during extremely hot and dry weather conditions. When a burn restriction is in place, it prohibits outdoor fires on all state, county, city, and private land under DNR fire protection, including all state forests, DNR-managed forestlands and DNR campgrounds. Restricting campfires and debris-burning helps to reduce the likelihood of potentially destructive and dangerous wildfires.
You can track daily burn restrictions in Washington at DNR's Burn Portal https://burnportal.dnr.wa.gov/
What are the consequences for starting a wildfire during a burn restriction?
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A burn restriction violation is a crime. Anyone caught burning may be issued a ticket or prosecuted.
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In addition to criminal prosecution, DNR may pursue civil actions against any person whose negligence is responsible for starting, or allowing, a fire to spread.
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If your fire escapes, you will be responsible for paying for fire suppression personnel and equipment, as required by state law.
It is YOUR responsibility to know the burning rules.
- For state laws governing DNR-regulated burning, see Chapter 76.04 RCW.
- For DNR administrative rules, see Chapter 332-24 WAC.