DNR campfire ban expands to Snohomish County, rest of state

Published 5:00 pm Tuesday, August 15, 2023

EVERETT — Campfires were banned Tuesday on state lands across Western Washington.

The Department of Natural Resources expanded an earlier ban to Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties.

Similar bans have been issued in the state agency’s Southwest, Olympic Peninsula and South Puget Sound regions, as well as regions in Eastern Washington — effectively prohibiting campfires and permit burns on all DNR lands.

“Our landscapes are already dry and only getting drier, and we’ve all felt the smoke in the air,” state Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz said in a press release. “I am asking everyone in Washington to do their part to protect our firefighters and our communities this summer. Please do not start a fire outside so we can all breathe easier.”

The ban arrives during an excessive heat warning in the Puget Sound region that remains in effect until 11 p.m. on Wednesday.

The lowlands have seen temperatures topping 90 degrees this week. A smoky haze from multiple fires hung in the air around Everett.

For people recreating on DNR lands, propane or butane camp stoves and backpacking stoves are still allowed.