Fire restrictions issued for Eastern Washington

SPOKANE — Fire restrictions are now in place for Eastern Washington. The restrictions took effect at midnight on Friday, July 3, for the counties in the region, including Grant and Adams. The Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation issued the restrictions in a press release on July 1.

Under the restrictions, target shooting, including at Tannerite, is prohibited. Those responsible for starting wildfires may be held responsible for the costs associated with fire suppression.

Operating a motorized vehicle of any kind away from a developed roadway is also prohibited. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) defines a developed roadway as “those that are clear of flammable debris berm to berm.” Parking a vehicle off of the roadway is only allowed if there are not flammable materials around.

When on BLM land, motorists are required to carry a shovel that meets the minimum requirements of 26 inches long with a blade that is at least eight inches wide. Also, motorists must have a gallon of water or a 2.5-pound fire extinguisher that is fully charged. U.S. Forest Service approved spark arrestors must be installed on all all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles.

Fires, including charcoal briquette fires and stove fires, are not allowed. The exception is steel rings provided at specific campground sites.

Smoking is prohibited in areas of timber, grass and brush unless in a vehicle traveling on a roadway in an area that has been cleared with a minimum three feet diameter or in a boat on a river or lake.

Also prohibited are causing a fire that is not intended to be a campfire; using incendiary devices such as tracers and fireworks; leaving the scene of a fire without extinguishing it properly, unless it is to report the spread of the fire and entering an area that has been closed by a fire prevention order.

Anyone who willfully violates the issued restrictions could be fined up to $1,000 or sentenced to up to a year’s imprisonment.