DNR wildfire tally up 200 from last year

Of the 751 fires reported to have been burning on Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) protected lands as of late last week, 628 had been determined to be caused by human activity. The total fire count was up more than 200 from last year.

"The number of human-caused fires continues to rise through a record-breaking summer of drought and high temperatures."

Mary Verner, DNR's deputy for wildfires, said people need to be aware that activities that might not normally spark fires have higher potential to in current conditions.

"A very large number of wildfires in Washington are being started by people," Verner said. "Because conditions are so bad, common activities like operating farm equipment or target shooting can spark fires that turn into major destructive events. We need everyone to take the utmost care around any activity that might start a wildfire."

The wildfires across the state, as well as in Oregon, California, Idaho and Montana, are reportedly stretching volunteer forces thin.

Whitman County fire fighters and volunteers have been involved with two or three of the state's wildfires this summer, said Fire Chief Lester Erwin of District 12. He noted the Pullman Fire Department has sent their rescue squad with their brush truck to fires.

Erwin said if not for the exceptional fire season this year in Whitman County, more crews may have been sent to help with the wildfires.

"We're supposed to make sure our people are taken care of," he explained.

Whitman County has been under a red flag warning issued by the National Weather Service. A red flag warning indicates to firefighters and land-management agencies the elevated danger of wildfire activity.

In addition to Whitman County, 17 other counties of the state's 39 are also under the red flag warning, including nearby Spokane, Adams, Franklin and Columbia counties.