The following is a release from the Department of Natural Resources:

With a heat wave rapidly increasing fire danger throughout the state, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is expanding the burn ban from DNR-protected lands in eastern Washington to include those west of the Cascades.

The burn ban will run through Sept. 30. It applies to all forestlands under DNR fire protection, which does not include federally owned lands.

“Washington is experiencing high heat and very low humidity, which is creating a dangerous situation,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark in a press release. “We are asking everyone to take extra care to avoid any risk of causing a fire.”

This fire season, there have already been 265 fires on DNR-protected lands, with the majority caused by humans. DNR protects about 13 million acres throughout the state and operates the state’s largest fire-fighting force, with more than 1,000 trained staff ready to be deployed where needed.

Hot and dry conditions increase the potential for wildfire over the next several weeks on both sides of the Cascades. With the current heat wave projected to last into next week, DNR is urging people to be extra vigilant.

All outdoor burning on DNR-protected forestlands is prohibited during the ban, with two exceptions. Recreational fires in approved fire pits within designated state, county, municipal or other campgrounds, and gas or propane stoves/barbeque grills are allowed. DNR-approved prescribed fires for ecological purposes may be permitted if expressly approved by the Commissioner of Public Lands.

Fireworks and incendiary devices, such as exploding targets, sky lanterns, or tracer ammunition, are illegal on all DNR-protected forestlands. Charcoal briquettes are not allowed.

Only you can prevent wildfires

If you plan to burn, it is your responsibility to know the rules.

• For state laws governing DNR-regulated burning, see Chapter 76.04 RCW

• For DNR administrative rules, see Chapter 332-24 WAC.

• If your fire escapes, you will be responsible for paying for the suppression of that fire as required by Chapter 76.04 RCW.

• For more specific information on burn bans, visithttp://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/rp_fire_burn_ban_factsheet.pdf