DNR revises fire danger ratings from county to common components

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has revised its fire danger rating system used for Eastern Washington to reflect geographic areas sharing similarities of fuels, topography and climate in addition to administrative boundaries.

The new rating called Fire Danger Rating Areas (FDRA’s) is an interagency collaboration with the goal of incorporating common fire behavior characteristics to clarify messages between multiple agencies.

DNR is the state’s largest wildfire fighting force responsible for wildfire prevention and response on 13 million acres of state, private and tribal lands.

Daily updates on burn restrictions and Industrial Fire Precaution Levels are available by calling 1-800-323-BURN (2876) or on the Fire Danger and Outdoor Burning risk map available on https://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/protection/firedanger/ and the Industrial Fire Precaution Levels map at https://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/protection/ifpl/.

The Methow and Chelan FDRA’s are part of expanded burning restrictions effective June 14 prohibiting rule burning and small debris disposal fires. Written burn permits burning will no longer be allowed in the Methow FDRA. Fire danger also increased from moderate to high in the Methow FDRA.

“Campfires may be allowed in Approved Designated Camp Grounds,” a DNR media release said. “Always check with local campgrounds hosts before lighting a campfire.”