DNR Issues Partial Burn Ban

The Washington Department of Natural Resources has enacted a partial burn ban beginning Friday, May 29, following a busy Memorial Day weekend in which more than 20 wildland fires were reported and determined to be hu- man-caused. The ban prohibits non-permitted de- bris burning, commonly known as rule burns. Residents with written burn permits may continue burning only if they follow the conditions of their permits. Stevens County follows DNR burn bans and timelines by county ordinance, meaning the state restrictions apply locally. The DNR’s Northeast Region, headquartered in Colville, listed the fire danger as low for the Kaniksu area, with no burn ban in effect there as of its most recent regional notice. However, the Foothills Region, which includes south Stevens County, was listed at moderate fire danger with rule burns banned effective at 12:01 a.m. May 29. Under the Foothills restrictions, written permitted burns remain allowed if permit conditions are followed. Rule burns are prohibited. Campfires are allowed only in approved, designated campgrounds, according to DNR regional information. Backyard campfires are still allowed under local guidance but must consist only of seasoned firewood. Yard debris, brush, leaves, slash or other waste material may not be burned in a backyard campfire. Residents are also encouraged to check whether a Department of Ecology air-quality burn ban is in place before burning. Air-quality restrictions are separate from fire-safety burn bans and may apply even when some outdoor burning is otherwise allowed. The DNR Northeast Region office can be reached at (509) 684-7474 or northeast.region@dnr.wa.gov. The office is located at 225 S. Silke Road in Colville.