Burn ban expanded on state lands

OLYMPIA — State officials have expanded an outdoor burn ban to include all of Washington state over potential fire danger.

A burn ban has already been in effect in Eastern Washington on state-protected forest lands.

The Department of Natural Resources on Friday extended that ban to include Western Washington. The burn ban is in effect through Sept. 30.

The agency says there have been 265 fires on state-protected lands, and people have caused most of them.

Officials are urging people to be vigilant as hot and dry conditions increase fire risks throughout the state.

The ban means outdoor burning on state-protected lands is prohibited. However, recreational fires in approved fire pits at designated campgrounds and barbeque grills are allowed.

The agency protects about 13 million acres of land.