With the arrival of fall and the return of rain west of the Cascades, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and King County have both lifted their bans on outdoor burning in Western Washington.

However, residents should still check with Vashon’s fire department before having a campfire and still need a permit for outdoor burning.

Those choosing to have a campfire in allowed areas should:

1. Use an approved or provided fire pit only; don’t create a new one.

2. Keep the campfire small.

3. Keep plenty of water and a shovel nearby.

4. Never leave the campfire unattended.

5. Extinguish a campfire by drowning it with water, and mixing ashes until cold.

Those who negligently allow fire to spread or who knowingly place forestlands in danger of destruction or damage are subject to possible civil and criminal penalties under state law. Additionally, DNR, as well as anyone harmed by such a fire, may pursue damages that include loss of property and fire suppression costs.

The lifting of the bans comes one month after DNR and multiple other agencies, including the King County Fire Marshal issued the bans prohibiting outdoor burning amid hot, dry weather.

Current information on burn restrictions can be found on DNR’s webpage at fortress.wa.gov/dnr/ protection/firedanger/.

Vashon Island Fire & Rescue also provides information on current bans at vifr.org.