Governor expands burn ban to all of Washington state
Oct 8, 2012, 5:43 AM | Updated: 7:15 am
Fires have erupted around Washington during an unusual dry streak. (Image courtesy Department of Natural Resources)
(Image courtesy Department of Natural Resources)
The entire state of Washington is now under a burn ban, after Gov. Chris Gregoire expanded the ban to include all counties in the state on Sunday.
“Washington state is experiencing a weather pattern like one we’ve rarely seen before,” Gregoire said. “The long, warm and dry spell has elevated fire danger across our state. Given that we don’t expect a significant amount of rainfall for quite some time, it makes sense to extend this proclamation and expand the burn ban.”
Forecasters say the dry streak in Western Washington will continue through Friday. KING 5’s Lisa Van Cise says it has been 76 days of dry weather recorded at Sea-Tac. Rain is expected to return to the area Friday and continue through the weekend.
Gregoire is asking Washington residents to remain cautious as the dry weather continues.
“Extraordinary dry conditions across our state require that all Washingtonians exercise the utmost caution and allow fire crews to focus on the challenges at hand.”
The burn ban has been extended through midnight Oct. 15, and prohibits campfires, bonfires, ignition of fireworks, and debris clearing by burning.
