TRI-CITIES, Wash.-A ban on activities likely to start fires goes into effect on national wildlife refuges in the Mid-Columbia River Fire Zone on Thursday, June 27.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is implementing the fire prevention order that will remain in effect until Sept. 30 due to continued dry conditions ahead of the 4th of July holiday.
Use of any fire, including the use of charcoal briquettes and cooking stoves, is prohibited under the fire prevention order and smoking outside of an enclosed car, as well as the operation of any car without an approved and working spark arrester are also banned.
Fireworks and campfires are banned year-round in the Mid-Columbia River Fire Zone.
According to USFWS, national wildlife refuges in Oregon and Washington have so far only experienced small fires that have been quickly put out this fire season, however, the 4th of July holiday will raise the threat of fires from fireworks and more people using the public lands.
Areas included in the fire prevention order:
Hanford Reach National MonumentColumbia National Wildlife RefugeCold Springs National Wildlife RefugeConboy LakeMcKay CreekMcNary National Wildlife RefugeToppenish National Wildlife RefugeUmatilla National Wildlife Refuge
