Uptick in wildfire activity projected due to warmer, drier summer

information released by Washington State DNR, Justin Haug Image

Even with one of the soggiest springs on record, Washington is still primed for wildfire season. With areas of drought expanding throughout Washington, Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, who leads the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is asking Washington residents to make a concerted effort to help prevent fires this Memorial Day weekend.

“After a record wetting spring, we’re already starting to see signs of drying out,” Franz said. “This summer is still expected to be warmer and drier than normal, setting the stage for active fire danger.”

Despite recent cool, rainy weather, DNR is prepositioning aircraft and equipment across the state in anticipation of an uptick in fire activity in the coming weeks despite current light fire activity.

The early season rainfall has spurred vegetation that will quickly dry out and easily catch fire as this season warms, particularly in eastern Washington.

It’s too early to make predictions about what the coming fire season will bring, but:

  • The closer we get to fire season, outlooks become more accurate. Currently, indicators point towards an average fire season, depending on weather and trigger events such as dry lighting and wind. There is no significant fire potential predicted for May through June, which would be an improvement from last year’s early start to the season and record-setting number of DNR fires in April.
  • April was wetter than normal across much of the state, excluding parts of central and northeast Washington. Snowpack levels across higher elevation-areas in Washington improved significantly from late March through April.
  • Drought outlook has shifted, meaning western Washington will completely rebound from any drought impacts of last year. However, in eastern Washington, the outlook for June and July indicates persistent drought for the entire area.
  • Predictive services indicate the potential for above-normal significant fire potential in July for the central part of the state. This is not out of the ordinary, as July is when Washington’s fire season typically picks up.

When comparing the first quarter months across the last ten years, debris burning remains the highest cause of human-ignited fires for DNR.  Recreation and ceremonial events are the second highest cause.

“When spending time outdoors this holiday weekend, be aware of your surroundings and avoid activities that could be potential fire hazards as temperatures continue to get warmer,” Franz said. “Our first responders are at risk every time they go out on a call, and it’s our responsibility to keep them safe by preventing wildfire during what could be an especially hot and dry summer.”

For June, July and August, the outlook is warmer and drier than normal as the Washington drought continues in parts of eastern Washington.

Fire Safety Tips

Some simple steps that can save lives, homes and landscapes include:

  • Douse your campfire with water before leaving it – if it’s still warm to the touch, it’s not safe to leave;
  • Never leave a burn pile unattended – have a hose ready should the fire escape the boundaries;
  • Never drag chains connecting a trailer to your car – the sparks can start a wildfire;
  • Target shooting into areas with dry grass is never a good idea – exploding targets are illegal on DNR-protected lands and should be used with extreme caution where allowed;
  • Watch the weather – windy conditions around a debris burn pile can cause nearby trees and grasses to catch fire and spread quickly; and
  • Play it safe – if you have any doubts about keeping a fire contained, whether it’s a campfire or burn pile, don’t light the fire.

DNR’s wildfire mission

Administered by Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, DNR is responsible for preventing and fighting wildfires on 13 million acres of private, state and tribal-owned forestlands. DNR is the state’s largest fire department and participates in Washington’s coordinated interagency approach to firefighting.