Burn ban declared for Spokane County as wildfire risk heats up

Spokane County officials Monday issued a burn ban because of dry, hot weather, increasing the chance of wildfires. It will last until further notice.

In-ground campfires, fire bowls, fire pits and open field fires are banned. Still allowed are backyard barbecues, retail portable outdoor fireplaces and patio or deck warmers.

Tuesday will see a high of 97 degrees, and Wednesday will reach 92, according to the National Weather Service. Meteorologist Steven Van Horn said he’s not expecting any temperature records to be broken.

Grant County issued a Red Flag Warning Monday for critical wildfire conditions that will be in effect Tuesday.

Any person found with a fire in burn-ban areas may be charged with a misdemeanor and fined up to $1,000 or imprisonment for 90 days, according to county laws.

For more information on the burn ban, call (509) 477-3675 or visit spokanecounty.org/722.

State Parks in Eastern Washington

The burn ban dovetails with other actions, including restrictions in Washington state parks.

Steamboat Rock State Park is under a level 4 burn ban. No open flame of any type, including smoking, is allowed.

Riverside, Curlew and Palouse Falls state parks are under a level 3 ban, meaning wood fires are limited to designated fire pits and no charcoal is allowed in grills. Gas and propane are allowed.

Mount Spokane and Potholes state parks are not under any restrictions.

For a complete list of Washington State Parks under burn bans, call (360) 902-8844 or visit http://parks.state.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/5654/Statewide-Burn-Ban.

The Colville National Forest has no current fire restrictions.