The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges everyone to help prevent wildland fires over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer. The extended holiday weekend brings a higher-than-average number of visitors to the forests, raising concerns.

With the governor declaring a drought on May 15 for the entire state of Washington, DNR is warning that wildfires this year may happen earlier and with greater intensity than usual. The snowpack in western Washington is a fraction of normal. Much of eastern Washington has already endured years of persistent drought, which has stressed forests and left them more vulnerable to wildfire.

“Already this year, DNR has responded to 124 wildland fires,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark. “We are going to need everyone’s help in preventing catastrophic wildfires on both sides of the Cascades. Please be careful with your outdoor activities to help prevent wildfires.”

Please use caution around fire by taking simple steps to prevent an accidental wildfire. Before leaving home, always check to find out what the campfire restrictions are for the area you plan to visit.

If campfires are allowed; extinguish it properly before leaving:

• Never leave a campfire unattended at any time.
• Drown fire thoroughly with water.
• Stir until cold.
• Drown fire again and stir.
• Never leave a campfire until it is completely out and cool to the touch.

For those people remaining at home, this is a good time to help reduce wildland fire hazards around the home and property by clearing excess debris, creating defensible space around the home, and following “Firewise” practices. For information about protecting homes and property from wildfire, visit www.firewise.org.

Stay connected during wildfire season

• ·       DNR’s Fire Twitter: http://twitter.com/waDNR_fire
• ·       Incident Information System (InciWeb): http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/