MAZAMA, Wash. (AP) — State authorities said Tuesday the Department of Natural Resources would temporarily close all recreation and public access to DNR-managed lands in eastern Washington beginning July 23 due to the extreme fire danger. The closure takes effect on Friday. The move comes as a popular hiking and mountain biking region in north-central Washington state is under a layer of smoke as two large wildfires continue to burn in hilly, forested areas near the towns of Winthrop and Mazama in the Methow Valley. In total, state officials say about 900 fires have burned more than 218 square miles (565 square kilometers) this year.
Wildfires: Washington to close all DNR lands in E. Wash.
