EASTERN WASHINGTON — Concerns are rising about the potential impacts of a dry winter on spring and summer in Eastern Washington and North Idaho. According to a recent broadcast, fire officials are discussing the risks they are preparing for as the region faces an inactive weather pattern that could lead to another dry summer.
Justin De Ruyter from the Spokane Fire Department explained the current preventative measures. He said, “If you get a lot of the fires up, especially the higher elevation lightning strike, stuff like that, that takes resources from around that’s available for around here, puts them up in the woods. When you don’t have the snowpack there, things dry out quicker sooner in the season. They’re available for combustion.”
De Ruyter emphasized that the focus is on resourcing for potential fires in higher regions. He also noted that a dry winter could lead to an extended fire season, with an earlier and longer window for fire-favorable conditions.
Local residents and officials are urged to stay informed and prepare for the upcoming challenges.
