DNR orders statewide burn ban as Pioneer Fire grows; meteorologist warns of more lightning and extreme heat

Commissioner Frantz announced a Department of Natural Resources order banning outdoor burning on DNR-protected lands statewide and updated reporters on the Pioneer Fire, as state meteorologists warned of continued hot, dry and windy conditions that could drive more fire starts.

At a press briefing, Commissioner Frantz said the DNR order covers approximately 13,000,000 acres of DNR lands and fire-protection areas and prohibits outdoor burning, campfires, charcoal briquettes and prescribed burns on forest lands through September, a date she said could be extended or shortened depending on conditions. "This restriction is critical to reduce potential wildfire ignition sources as fire dangers continue to stay elevated," Frantz said.

Frantz gave an operational snapshot of current activity and resource posture. "So far this year, we have already seen 411 fires," she said, and later updated the status of the Pioneer Fire: "about 23,529 acres, 14% contained." She said the Pioneer Fire is a U.S. Forest Service–led incident with DNR providing support, and described steep, remote terrain and heavy smoke that have limited aircraft access and made ground operations hazardous.

DNR wildfire meteorologist Matthew Daire told reporters crews had tracked hundreds of lightning strikes the previous day and were prepositioned to respond. "We did have 599 cloud to ground lightning strikes across Washington yesterday, mostly East of the Cascades," Daire said, adding that each strike represents a potential fire start. He forecast a return to hot, dry, windy weather, with some inland areas possibly reaching about 110°F over the weekend and August remaining the peak season.

Frantz and Daire stressed that human-caused ignitions remain a major driver of this season's activity. Frantz said nearly all of this year's fires have been caused by people—debris burning, fireworks and unattended campfires—and urged residents to take precautions, such as avoiding debris burns, checking vehicles for dragging chains and following the burn ban. "We simply can't afford to be complacent or complicit," she said.

The DNR plans more frequent updates to its fire information dashboard, and Frantz asked the media to help relay evacuation notices and safety information to the public. She closed by thanking firefighters, partner agencies and the press and urged everyone to help reduce human-caused ignitions.

The DNR order and the Pioneer Fire status are active operational matters; DNR and federal partners will continue incident management and public updates as conditions evolve.