COLUMBIA BASIN - As nearly 90,000 acres of wildland continue to burn in central Washington, state offices are hoping to prevent more flames by banning open fires and outdoor burning in state parks and protected land.

Both the state Parks and Recreation Commission and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced an outdoor burn ban this week, including all state parks and DNR protected land. In Grant County, this includes the Beverly Sand Dunes, Potholes, Sun Lake-Dry Falls and Steamboat Rock state parks.

"Now is the time to be vigilant. It is everyone's responsibility to be appropriately cautions during this season," Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark said. "The risk of wildfire is unusually high and the consequences could be catastrophic. We have hundreds of firefighters fighting two major wildfires and numerous smaller fires in Washington state. Our resources are stretched thin."

The burn ban issued by DNR is in effect until Sept. 30 and until further notice for state parks, adding the ban at state parks is intended to minimize public confusion and encourage people to cooperate with DNR's wildlife fire fighting efforts.

According to the Parks and Recreation Commission, campers will be allowed to use devices that allow for control of combustion, including propane and liquid gas stoves appropriate for camping and back country use.

While wildfires are often ignited by lighting, most are caused by human activities, according to DNR.

Unwatched outdoor fires, indefensible home sites and sparks caused by equipment and vehicles are the three likely causes of rural wildland and home fires.

The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for the Columbia Basin in effect until tonight because thunderstorms are possible.

Fire safety information:

• No campfires are allowed on any land protected by DNR, even in developed campgrounds.
• Open fires and use of briquettes are prohibited in state parks until further notice.
• Be sure recreational vehicles have operating spark arresters.
• Do not park any vehicles in dry, grassy areas because residual heat from exhaust systems can ignite the dry grass.
• It is illegal to set off fireworks, use incendiary ammunition or exploding targets on DNR protected lands.