Mild Northwest Fire Season Could Blow Up In Late Summer As Fuels Dry Out

The Williams Flats Fire started from a lightning strike Aug. 2, 2019 near Keller, Washington, on the reservation of the Colville Confederated Tribes. CREDIT: INCIWEB
The Williams Flats Fire started from a lightning strike Aug. 2, 2019 near Keller, Washington, on the reservation of the Colville Confederated Tribes. CREDIT: INCIWEB

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You might have noticed some smoky skies lately, particularly in the Inland Northwest from the Williams Flats Fire near Grand Coulee Dam

Still, the fire season so far has been relatively mild as far as large fires and region-wide smoke inundation go. But that could change in late summer and early fall, according to a recent federal report from the National Interagency Fire Center.

At highest risk are the lower and middle elevations across California, the northern and western Great Basin and parts of the Northwest where a robust grass crop has cured and is now ripe for sparks. 

“August and early September are the peak periods for fire activity across the western states,” the report says. 

The latest drought outlook continues to show moderate to severe drought across parts of Washington and Oregon.

This is all happening at the same time when many of the approximately 500 seasonal Washington firefighters go away, according to state Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, who leads Washington’s Department of Natural Resources. 

“Many of these men and women are young college kids or are just out of college,” Franz said. “But we often times will lose a number of these seasonal firefighters when it’s time to go back to school in early September or late August.”

Franz says that’s why the DNR is bringing on several more aircraft and about 30 additional full-time firefighters to help in this late season. 

Franz says she will also use firefighting help and aircraft from other states and agencies if necessary this late summer and fall. 

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A map showing large fires that have burned so far this year in Washington. The different colored areas represent different land ownership boundaries. (Courtesy of the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center)

What impacts did wildfires have on the Northwest this summer?

Autumn has knocked on our doors and crossed our thresholds. With its arrival comes wetter, colder, darker days — perhaps some pumpkin-flavored treats as well — and hopefully, fewer wildfires. Heavy recent rainfall has dropped the wildfire potential outlook down to normal for the Northwest, according to the National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook.
So, how did this summer fare compared to past fire seasons? Continue Reading What impacts did wildfires have on the Northwest this summer?

The Sourdough Fire has consumed 1,710 acres of forest since starting July 29. // CREDIT: Washington State Department of Transportation North on Twitter.

Part of HWY 20 reopened, firefighters still actively working in area as Sourdough Fire burns

Scenic State Route 20 which runs through North Cascades National Park is now reopened.
The highway had been closed between Newhalem and Rainy Pass in Whatcom County, as it is the main access point for firefighters working the Sourdough Fire. Mark Enty, public information officer with Northwest Incident Management Team 10, said crews are still working in the area and drivers should be extra cautious.
Continue Reading Part of HWY 20 reopened, firefighters still actively working in area as Sourdough Fire burns