skip to left menu
skip to main content

Main Menu


Large Fire Reports

 

Link to the Prevent Fires Campaign
Learn More

 

Safety & Prevention · Wildland Fires

The wildland fire season in Washington usually begins in early July and typically runs through late September, although drought, snow pack, and weather conditions can expand the length of the fire season. Unfortunately, humans are usually the main factor in fires during the early or late parts of the fire season.

Depending on a number of factors, wildland fires can spread to thousands of acres, depending on a number of factors, and may require thousands of firefighters and several months to extinguish. Federal, state, county, city, and private agencies and private timber companies provide fire protection and firefighting services on forest lands in Washington.

Wildland fires not only destroy timberlands, but also the scenic vistas, wildlife habitat, and natural watersheds in our state, making them vulnerable to increased flooding and erosion. In the long-term, wildland fires result in smaller timber harvests, reduced access to recreational areas, and the destruction of cultural and economic resources.

Outdoor Burning and Recreational Safety:

Each of us has a role in preventing wildland fires and in protecting ourselves and property from wildland fires. You can help by following these guidelines:

Before doing any outdoor burning, check with your local jurisdiction on the rules and regulations for your area. Air quality standards and rules for open burning are also available through the Washington State Department of Ecology, Air Quality Program.

While using outdoor recreational areas:

  • Avoid smoking in outdoor recreational areas.
  • Use a self-contained camp stove, such as a gas, propane, or butane-type camp stove.
  • Build campfires only in metal- or concrete-lined fire pits located in designated campground.
  • When extinguishing a campfire, follow these steps:
    1. Drown the fire with water and stir the remains.
    2. Add more water and stir again.
    3. Feel all materials with bare hands to ensure they're cool.

    • For additional information on outdoor fire safety, see the Firewise Communities Web site at www.firewise.org.

Protecting Your Home From Fire:

  • Create a fire-safe, defensible space not be less than 30 feet around your entire home.
  • Store combustibles away from the house, such as fuel, firewood or other debris.
  • If possible, install a fire-resistant roof (untreated shake roofs increases fire risk).
  • Clean your roof and gutters regularly (tinder-dry needles and limbs catch fire easily).
  • Install a spark arrester if you have a chimney.
  • Address numbers should be at least 4 inches high and visible from the street day or night so that emergency crews can easily identify your property.
  • Install smoke detectors and test them once a month to make sure they work properly.
  • Consider installing automatic fire sprinklers in your home.

    • Just one home that is not properly protected from fire can put an entire community or wildland area at risk.

Learn more - Related Web Sites:

  • Federal Emergency Management Agency - For people living near wildland areas or using recreational facilities in wilderness areas.
  • Firewise - Information for homeowners about firewise construction and landscaping along with other fire prevention practices.
  • DNR Fire Information - Wildland fire information and resource page.
  • Northwest Fire Prevention Education - An interagency effort for current information on public-use restrictions, area access closures, and fire prevention messages.
  • Smokey the Bear - The official Smokey the Bear Wildfire prevention information and activities for children of all ages.

 

Adobe Reader Link Icon Please note that some of the documents provided on this page are available in Adobe® PDF format only and will require the Adobe® Reader in order to view or print them from your Web browser.

Back to Top

Link to the State Fire Marshal Page
“Saving Lives
through Prevention
and Preparedness"

Quick Links

Wildfire

Resources