Recent rains and cooler temperatures across western Washington are prompting the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to reduce campfire restrictions west of the Cascade Mountains. Effective Friday, Sept. 2, campfires will be allowed within approved fire pits in designated campgrounds on western Washington lands protected by DNR.

However, a Stage 1 burn ban for unincorporated King County remains in effect. The King County Fire Marshal issued the ban Aug. 19 to prevent wildfires during the hot, dry conditions.

The campfire prohibition continues on DNR-protected lands across eastern Washington and the statewide ban on other outdoor burning, such as debris burning, also continues.

“With this wetter weather in western Washington, easing the burn ban in time to permit campfires over Labor Day weekend is the right thing to do,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark, who oversees DNR.

“There is still significant fire risk on the east side of the Cascades, however, so we can’t permit campfires there,” said Goldmark. “We ask the public to help firefighters by observing the burn ban, with this exception for westside campfires in approved fire pits.”

Those choosing to have a campfire in allowed areas should:

• Use only an approved or provided fire pit; don’t create a new one.

• Keep the campfire small.

• Keep plenty of water and a shovel nearby.

• Never leave the campfire unattended.

• Extinguish a fire with water, mix the ashes, scrape partially-burned sticks and continue drowning and mixing until the site is cold to the touch.

Individual jurisdictions may have their own continued campfire bans. Check local restrictions, campground signs or with campground hosts before starting a campfire.

For current information on burn restrictions, call (800) 323-BURN or visit https://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/protection/firedanger/.