While the temperatures have dipped, rain is in the forecast and fall officially begins Saturday, the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wants residents to remain vigilant in wildfire prevention.
In a Thursday news release, Commissioner Hilary Franz said this year’s wildfire season has been among the most destructive in the state’s history. So far, 1,855 wildfires have burned 155,503 acres and destroyed 400 homes. The 10-year average for Washington state is 1,417 fires and 288,682 acres burned per year.
According to the DNR, Lewis County currently has moderate wildfire danger, while Thurston County has high fire danger.
“We’re seeing fires rage through wetter forests, even the Olympic Rainforest. Even though it’s been cooler, we still haven’t seen much rain, and until we do our forests remain vulnerable to wildfires that can threaten homes and fill our skies with smoke,” Franz said in the release. “This year has been one of the most destructive ever for the people of Washington. I’m urging everyone to continue their vigilance by not starting fires outdoors to keep our state and our firefighters safe.”
According to DNR, there are six wildfires currently burning in East Lewis County. As of Friday, the Cowlitz Complex Fire, primarily in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest outside Randle, was at 40% containment and had burned 715 acres.
