State promotes wildfire safety for weekend

As Washington’s forests are still reeling from last year’s drought conditions, the state Department of Natural Resources is asking Memorial Day vacationers to be cautious when on public lands.

Last year, wildfires burned more than a million acres in Washington, making the season the most destructive in state history. The DNR said it already has responded to more than 100 wildfires so far this year.

The agency offers these tips for a fire-safe holiday weekend and summer:

• Make sure all off-road vehicles have a properly functioning catalytic converter or approved spark arrester.

• Build campfires only when and where authorized, and put them completely out.

• Appropriately dispose of lit smoking materials.

• Remember that discharging fireworks, and using of incendiary ammunition or exploding targets is illegal on public lands.

Looking beyond the weekend, the agency added that outdoor burning is the leading cause of wildfire ignitions in the state, and it reminded residents to watch for shifting winds when burning.

Residents can help reduce the fire hazard around their property by clearing excess debris and creating defensible space around at-risk buildings.