SPOKANE, WA – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced seasonal fire restrictions on public lands across 20 counties in Washington, effective June 13, in an effort to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires as dry summer conditions take hold.

The restrictions apply to the following counties: Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whitman, and Yakima.

“With summer approaching and fuels drying out, it’s critical we all do our part,” said Lonnie Newton, Fire Management Officer for the BLM Spokane District. “Know before you go, and always pack a shovel and fire extinguisher.”

The public use restrictions include:

• No smoking except inside vehicles on improved roads or in boats on the water.

• No open flames, including campfires and charcoal grills, except in designated steel-ring fire pits at certain improved campgrounds.

• No motorized vehicles off developed roads; vehicles must be parked in areas clear of flammable vegetation.

• No use of fireworks, exploding targets, metal targets, or tracer/incendiary ammunition on BLM lands.

According to the BLM, more than 85% of wildfires are human-caused. These restrictions are designed to protect communities, public land, and emergency responders from avoidable fire danger.

For updated fire restriction information, the public is encouraged to visit the BLM Oregon/Washington fire restrictions webpage or contact the Spokane District Office at 509-536-1200.

The BLM manages over 245 million acres of public lands nationwide, with a mission to promote safe and sustainable use for future generations.