Department of Natural Resources expands burn ban, county implements its own

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources has expanded its burn ban statewide through Sept. 30, in response to hot summer weather.

Outdoor fires are prohibited on all DNR-protected forest lands, with potential fines for violators. Prescribed ecological burns must be approved by Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark.

"The arrival of summer weather creates greater danger for wildfires, which are serious threats to safety, property and habitat,GÇ¥ Goldmark said in a news release. "We have already seen a number of roadside fires start on both sides of the Cascades. We must be cautious and vigilant to minimize the damage to our state.GÇ¥

DNR reports it has responded to 408 wildfire starts across the state so far this year.

DNR burn bans do not apply to federally-owned lands like national forests and parks nor does it affect city, county and state campgrounds where fires are allowed.

The Snohomish County Fire Marshal on Monday issued an outdoor burning ban in unincorporated parts of the county due to concerns high fire danger and expected hot and dry weather conditions.

This ban includes all burn permits issued by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, and will remain in place until further notice.