07/08/2009

Associated Press

Outdoor burning restrictions are set to begin in three more Washington state counties.

Starting on July 15, forest and land clearing burn bans will take effect in Thurston, Clark and Cowlitz counties. Burn bans already have taken effect in King, Kitsap, Mason, Pierce and Snohomish counties.

The Thurston County restriction runs until Oct. 15. The rest end on Sept. 30.

Campfires are allowed if built in approved campground fire pits. Properly attended campfires also are allowed on private land, if they're built in a metal, stone or masonry-lined fire pit, at least 30 feet from possible fuel such as tree limbs.