A statewide burn ban on all Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR)- protected lands went into effect on July 1 and will remain in effect until September 30.

The burn ban applies to all forestlands in Washington under DNR fire protection, which does not include federally owned lands.

The ban applies to all outdoor burning on DNR-protected forestlands with the following exceptions:

-Recreational fires in approved fire pits within designated state, county, municipal or other campgrounds, and

-DNR-approved prescribed fires, implemented to enhance or restore fire-dependent ecosystems and forest health.

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