Closed to entry—Designation

CLOSURES/SUSPENSIONS (1) When, in the opinion of the department, any forestland is particularly exposed to fire danger, the department may designate such land as a region of extra fire hazard subject to closure, and the department shall adopt rules for the protection thereof. (2) All such rules shall be published in such newspapers of general circulation in the counties wherein such region is situated and for such length of time as the department may determine. (3) When in the opinion of the department it becomes necessary to close the region to entry, posters carrying the wording "Region of extra fire hazard-CLOSED TO ENTRY-except as provided by RCW 76.04.305" and indicating the beginning and ending dates of the closures shall be posted on the public highways entering the regions. (4) The rules shall be in force from the time specified therein, but when in the opinion of the department such forest region continues to be exposed to fire danger, or ceases to be so exposed, the department may extend, suspend, or terminate the closure by proclamation. (5) This section does not authorize the department to prohibit the conduct of industrial operations, public work, or access of permanent residents to their own property within the closed area, but no one legally entering the region of extra fire hazard may use the area for recreational purposes which are prohibited to the general public under the terms of this section.