A ban on outdoor burning in western Washington and the rest of the state is scheduled to continue through Oct. 15 in an attempt to prevent wildfires during the prolonged stretch of unusually dry weather .
The ban applies to public land, including national and state forests.
Officials noted last week that Washington had no measureable rain in August, and September was the third driest on record. Exceptionally low overnight humidity causes grasses, brush and other dry material to become bone-dry and highly flammable, officials said.
"We have not seen wildfire conditions this bad in October in a lifetime,GÇ¥ said state Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark. "I'm concerned that the shorter days and colder weather will lull some people into thinking it's safe to build campfires or bonfires. We need everyone to be cautious, alert and aware.GÇ¥
Campgrounds may have additional burn restrictions in place. Campers should check with their campground host before starting a campfire, officials advised
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