“We need people to be the most responsible party in this. Causing a fire is no longer an accident – it could be negligence.” — Ephrata Fire Chief Jeremy Burns 

EPHRATA — An annual burn restriction is now in effect across unincorporated areas of Grant County, as local fire officials warn that an already active and unusually dry start to the season could lead to a challenging summer.

Under county ordinance, outdoor burn restrictions automatically begin June 1 and remain in place through September 30 each year, limiting most types of open burning during the height of fire season. The restriction is part of the Grant County Fire Hazard Code and is intended to reduce human-caused wildfires during the driest and most dangerous months.

What the burn restrictions mean

During the restriction period, residential burning – including yard waste, brush and ditch banks – is prohibited. Burning garbage or processed materials is always illegal under state law.

However, not all fires are banned.

Agricultural burning may still be allowed with proper permits from the Washington State Department of Ecology, and recreational fires – such as campfires – are permitted under strict conditions, including proper containment, supervision, and clearance from combustible materials.

Ephrata Fire Chief Jeremy Burns emphasized the distinction.

“I’m usually a little light on using the word burn ban because it's burn restrictions,” Burns said. “Grant County is an agricultural county, and agriculture burns, permitted burns are allowed.”

Still, officials stress that illegal burning, especially this time of year, can quickly lead to dangerous situations.

Fire activity already high

Firefighters across Grant County say the season is already off to a busy and concerning start.

“Wildland season is here. It arrived, and all departments in Grant County have been busy with wildland fires,” Burns said.

Burns said his department saw a sharp increase in calls throughout May, driven by a mix of human activity and worsening environmental conditions.

Chief Erick Brittain of Grant County Fire District 7 echoed those concerns, pointing to recent incidents tied to everyday equipment failures.

“We just had a 10-acre wildland fire Sunday, caused by a tire coming off of the rim on a boat trailer,” Brittain said. “That dry fuel out there sparked from the side of the road.”

That fire required air support and hours of response, showing how quickly fires can grow under current conditions, Brittain said. 

Dry conditions raising concern

Officials agree that conditions in 2026 are drier than normal for this time of year, increasing the likelihood of both human-caused and fast-spreading fires.

Brittain described conditions as “unusually dry” for late May and early June.

“We’re just seeing those light fuels that are just unbelievably dry,” Brittain said. 

The Washington Department of Natural Resources is also closely monitoring the situation.

Public Information Officer Ryan Rodruck said the state is already treating the situation as an active fire season.

“Make no mistake, we are in fire season now,” Rodruck said.

He added that a combination of dry fuels, rising temperatures and wind conditions is pointing toward a difficult summer.

“The early indicators are definitely presenting for what’s going to be a challenging fire season,” he said.

Human activity drives most fires

Fire officials say the largest factor in wildfire starts is preventable: human behavior.

“More than 90% of our wildland fires in Washington state are human-caused,” Burns said.

Rodruck reinforced that message, noting that many recent fires were tied to escaped burn piles or preventable sparks.

“One little spark is all it takes,” he said.

Recent incidents in Grant County have included fires sparked by equipment failures, roadside sparks and attempts to burn yard debris before restrictions began, Burns said. 

Burns said some residents were trying to clear piles late in May without accounting for wind conditions.

“If you're not prepared for that and you have a large pile that gets out of control, that becomes a problem,” he said.

Safety reminders for residents

Fire officials are urging residents to take extra precautions during the restriction period and throughout the summer including: do not burn yard debris or garbage; ensure campfires are small, attended, and fully extinguished; avoid outdoor burning during windy conditions; maintain equipment, including trailers, chains, and lawn tools; and create defensible space around homes by clearing dry vegetation. 

Brittain emphasized the importance of maintaining that buffer.

“Make sure you do have that defensible space in the event that there are some embers that float toward your house,” he said.

He also encouraged residents to properly dispose of yard waste rather than attempting to burn it.

Longer, more intense fire seasons

Officials say fire seasons appear to be starting earlier and lasting longer, increasing the need for vigilance.

“Every year we’re seeing that fire season stretch further and further,” Brittain said.

With dry conditions already in place and a potentially hot summer ahead, that window of risk may extend well into the fall.

Burns stressed that while natural conditions are beyond control, human actions are not.

“We need people to be the most responsible party in this,” he said. “Causing a fire is no longer an accident – it could be negligence.”

Looking Ahead

As Grant County enters the heart of fire season, officials are asking residents to take the burn restrictions seriously and do their part to prevent fires.

With high fire potential already evident and the busiest months still ahead, authorities say even small mistakes could have major consequences.

“Exercise as much caution as you can,” Rodruck said. “Respect those burn restrictions and keep those sparks off the landscape.”