Burn Bans Now In Effect In King, Snohomish Counties

SHORELINE, WA - On Thursday afternoon, at least seven different brush fires broke out in major areas - including three burning along I-90 in Issaquah and two along I-5 in Shoreline. After near a month straight without rain, Western Washington is ripe for wildfires and brush fires, which has spurred burn bans in most counties this side of the Cascades.

On Saturday morning, burn bans went into effect in King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties. Small recreational fires are allowed, but fires to burn brush, bonfires, and other large burns are all prohibited. The bans only apply to unincorporated areas, but most cities already prohibit large outdoor fires.

According to the National Weather Service, Saturday was the 28th straight day in a row without rain in Western Washington. Even after one of the wettest winters on record, most grass is extremely dry and susceptible to catching fire quickly. The five-day forecast calls for continued sun and warm temperatures - and no rain.

Image via WSDOT