With wildfire season already under way, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is reminding everyone that fireworks are prohibited on all 33 WDFW wildlife areas and 700-plus water access sites.

The fireworks ban is not just during the days leading up to the Fourth of July, but is in effect always.

A recent fire near Lake Wenatchee and wildfires in British Columbia have department staff alert to violations of that rule to avoid fires on agency-managed lands.

Personal camp stoves and lanterns are allowed. Also, small campfires are currently allowed except in certain wildlife areas. The Washington Department of Natural Resources serves as the state’s firefighter on forested lands and other state agencies follow DNR’s lead on burn bans and other fire restrictions often implemented in June or at the beginning of July.

During last year’s drought, fire use restrictions began June 19, a few weeks earlier than usual, to minimize risk.

Outdoor recreationists who use public lands don’t need to wait for such restrictions to help prevent fires. In addition to complying with the year-round fireworks ban, the following are suggested:

• cook camp meals on small camp stoves and use battery-operated lanterns.

• keep campfires small, in the open and away from trees, preferably within a metal or stone ring, and put out fires with cold with water rather than letting them slowly die out through the night.

• also, don’t smoke outside of vehicles, keep motor vehicles off vegetation and avoid using chainsaws or other equipment that can emit sparks.