The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) is increasing in southeast Washington.

Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today that the Industrial Fire Precaution Level has increased to a Level III in Zones 609E, 609W, and 675. Level III, or Partial Shutdown, prohibits some activities in the forest altogether, and limits other activities between the over-night and morning hours of 8 p.m. to 1 p.m.  

Those using chainsaws in the forest must follow certain rules:

  •  Chainsaws must have approved, working exhaust systems.
  •  A one-hour fire watch must follow the last use of a chainsaw.
  •  A fire extinguisher, containing at least 8 ounces of retardant, must be in the immediate vicinity of where the chainsaw is used.
  •  A shovel must be retrievable in two minutes or less.

To learn more, go the DNR’s Industrial Fire Precaution Level website.

Firewood cutting closed, too
Until the precaution level returns to Level II, firewood cutting is closed for people who hold a DNR personal firewood cutting permit for the Ahtanum and Nanum State Forests. When fire precaution level allows, firewood cutters also must follow the chainsaw use instructions above.  

Daily updates
Daily updates on burn restrictions are available at 1-800-323-BURN or on DNR’s website at www.dnr.wa.gov, then click on ‘fire information and prevention’ and go to ‘wildfire related maps.’ The ‘burn risk map’ link is in the bottom, right-hand corner.

Statewide burn ban
In an effort to reduce human-caused wildfires, DNR issued a statewide burn ban on all DNR-protected lands, effective July 1, 2012, through September 30, 2012. The ban includes all forestlands in Washington except for federal lands. Campgrounds may have additional burn restrictions in place. Campers should check with their campground host before starting a campfire.

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