Washington enacts statewide burn ban ahead of Fourth of July due to dry conditions

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced a statewide burn ban will go into effect on July 2 following record-breaking heat and dry conditions in the state.

The order was signed by Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz on Thursday and bans outdoor burning, campfires, the use of charcoal briquettes, and prescribed burns on all forest lands within DNR’s fire protection. The ban is expected to last through Sept. 30, but could be extended if this year's wildfire season lasts longer than usual as some climate experts expect.

So far this year, DNR has responded to 899 fires burning a total of 1,864 acres according to the most recent data. The majority of those fires — 715 — occurred in the eastern portion of the state.

Franz also joined the calls from public officials that residents should not light their own fireworks this year for the Fourth of July, and instead attend professional shows being held by several cities in Western Washington. Some cities have banned the use of fireworks, and all of King County will prohibit fireworks starting in 2022.

https://www.seattlepi.com/local/seattlenews/article/washington-issues-statewide-burn-ban-dry-condition-16288522.php

[captain queeg]

1. Pretty sure we'll see some fires caused by fireworks

Many people around here go nuts and spend hundreds or thousands of dollars. Go out to Long Beach on the coast. Reminds me of the scene in Apocalypse now.