WDFW restricts campfires, other activities on wildlife and water access areas in Eastern Washington

SPOKANE – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will restrict campfires and other activities on WDFW-managed lands in Eastern Washington beginning Friday, July 15 to help reduce the risk of fire on state wildlife and water access areas.

“Due to the wet and cool start to the summer, we delayed restrictions this year beyond July 1, allowing people longer opportunity to enjoy campfires,” said Cynthia Wilkerson, WDFW’s Lands Division Manager. “But wildfire risk is increasing this week, and it’s time to take proper precautions to preserve public recreation lands, wildlife habitat, public health, and safety for local communities.”

Overall, the emergency order that imposes restrictions east of the Cascades prohibits:

• Fires or campfires, including those in fire rings. Personal camp stoves and lanterns fueled by propane, liquid petroleum, or liquid petroleum gas are allowed.
• Discharge of firearms for target shooting or other purposes by anyone not engaged in lawful hunting.
• Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle. Do not throw lit cigarettes out your window.
• Welding and operating chainsaws, including the use of an acetylene torch or other open flame.
• Operating a motor vehicle away from developed roads. Parking is permitted within designated parking areas, including developed campgrounds and trailheads; and in areas without vegetation that are within 10 feet of roadways.

All restrictions will remain in effect until further notice. Any changes to these regulations will be posted to WDFW’s website at wdfw.wa.gov.

Fireworks are prohibited year-round on all WDFW-managed lands around the state. Throwing a lit cigarette or any other burning material from a motor vehicle on a state highway is also prohibited year-round.

WDFW stewards over 700,000 acres of public land in Eastern Washington which are managed to protect lands and water for wildlife and people.

For more information about fires and fire prevention on public lands, visit the Washington Department of Natural Resources' website (http://www.dnr.wa.gov) or the U.S. Forest Service website (http://www.fs.usda.gov).

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.