By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – Recreational campfires are prohibited starting at 12:01 a.m. on Monday in unincorporated Lewis County, and the city of Centralia, given the arrival of the most dangerous fire weather of the season.
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If you want to roast marshmallows or cook out of doors, you can still do that as long as it takes place inside a propane or liquid gas barbecuer or camp stove that has an on-off switch. No charcoal briquettes.
Wildfire danger is high in Lewis County and most of Western Washington and even higher in the majority of Eastern Washington.
Campfires are still okay at state parks in Lewis County as long as they are in approved pits in designated campgrounds. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest has not banned them.
Centralia and Lewis County both put out announcements today indicating they realize the prohibition could alter people’s recreational plans, but the decisions reflect a priority of public safety and the protection of property.
The city of Centralia says: “This decision is made in consideration of the already increased risk of rapid fire development from dry seasonal conditions and the absence of rain in the long-range weather forecasts.”
Both government entities state they will make public announcements when they decide to lift the prohibition.
Fire officials and others strongly urge all residents and property owners to be attentive to the conditions of their properties through proactive fire prevention measures.
The county in mid-July banned outdoor burning of brush piles.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter