Fire restrictions set

The Bureau of Land Management placed several fire restrictions on public lands, which went into effect last Saturday, June 22.

Counties including Whitman, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla and Yakima are affected by the restrictions.

These restrictions prohibit target shooting with exploding targets, like Tannerite, driving any vehicle off marked roadways, fireworks, smoking near flammable brush and campfires unless within BLM-provided steel rings at approved campgrounds.

Bottled gas stoves and heaters are permitted, if used in an area cleared of brush and flammable material.

Parking on public land must be done where there are no flammable materials, according to a BLM press release.

BLM recommends those using motorized vehicles on public lands to carry shovel and a water container or fire extinguisher.

According to the BLM press release, all motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles must be equipped with spark arrestors.

Those who violate the new regulations could face fines of up to $1,000 or up to 12 months in jail or both.