In Effect July 15 – September 30, 2010

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced there will be a statewide burn ban on all DNR-protected lands July 15, 2010, through September 30, 2010. This means all forestlands in Washington except for federal lands.

“The threat of wildfires from escaped outdoor burning is high during the summer months due to unusual fire danger,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark. “Wildfires are dangerous for people and property and result in large expenditures of public funding that can be avoided through prudent actions to prevent them.”

The ban applies to all outdoor burning, including currently permitted burns, with the following exceptions:

1. Recreational fires in approved fire pits within designated state, county, municipal or other campgrounds, or
2. DNR-approved prescribed fire, implemented to enhance or restore fire-dependent ecosystems and forest health, when enhancement and restoration by prescribed fire can only be accomplished successfully during the period of time from July 15th, 2010, through September 30th, 2010, or
3. As approved in writing by DNR when there are compelling reasons for an exception.

The use of gas and propane self-contained stoves and barbeques will continue to be allowed under the ban.

This burn ban takes precedence over and supersedes all other burn bans currently in effect on forestlands except federal lands.

Media Contact: Janet Pearce, Communications and Outreach, 360-902-1122, janet.pearce@dnr.wa.gov

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OLYMPIA – Worsening air quality is prompting a ban on unnecessary use of uncertified wood stoves, inserts and fireplaces, and on all outdoor burning in Chelan and Douglas counties. Smoke from outdoor burning, wood stoves and fireplaces is likely to build up where cold air is trapped near the ground. People can easily breathe fine particles in smoke deep into their lungs, where the particles can damage sensitive tissues, according to the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology). Ecology’s Stage 1 burn ban for Chelan and Douglas counties will continue until at least 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. For updates, check local media reports and Ecology’s daily burn decision hotline (1-800-406-5322).

Under a Stage 1 ban: • Use of fireplaces, uncertified wood stoves and uncertified inserts is prohibited unless they are a home’s sole source of heat. • All outdoor burning – including residential, agricultural and forest burning – is prohibited. • Use of certified wood-burning devices and pellet stoves is allowed. Ecology recommends burning hot fires using only clean, dry wood. The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who are sensitive to air pollution should limit the time they spend outdoors. Air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing, and make lung and heart problems worse. Air pollution is especially harmful to children, people with heart and lung problems, and adults over age 65. Ecology recommends that people limit vehicle trips, combine errands or use public transportation to reduce air pollution.

For a list of certified wood stoves and clean-burning tips, see http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/outdoor_woodsmoke/wood_smoke_page.htm.

### Media Contact: Seth Preston, Ecology communications manager, 360-407-6848; 360-584-5744 cell; seth.preston@ecy.wa.gov

The contact number for more information is 1-800-406-5322.  The Front Desk telephone number for CRO is 509-575-2490.

Contact Kittitas fire districts 2 and 4 for specific information.

Contact Ecology for local agricultural burning permits at 509-575-2490 or check the list-serv at http://listserv.wa.gov/archives/burn-decision-cro.html