NINE MILE FALLS, Wash. – Campers at Willow Bay Campground have been experiencing the fire season up close. Dawn and Jim Sarich have spent nearly 20 years enjoying summers at the campground.
Despite having seen fires in the area before, the Sarich’s noted this year was different. “But never have we seen these this many planes and I mean we’ve been out here during fires over the years.” Dawn stated.
The couple witnessed the fire ignite on Saturday afternoon. “We were out on a boat watch. We actually watched it start so we were out, and we could see the puff of smoke and we went and checked it out and so and then last night camping because we’re camping you just see the flames it was crazy,” Dawn added.
Anjel Tomayko with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources explained the reason for the significant air response. “Aircraft was utilized right away because this is steep rugged terrain is very rocky very craggy and there’s steep cliffs and so it really wasn’t safe to put firefighters on the ground fighting this fire,” she said.
As of Sunday evening, there were no signs of containment yet, though crews have made progress in slowing the spread. “So, there’s a lot of optimism within the team and fire crews on the ground that the fire will be able to be contained pretty quickly,” Tomayko stated.
Fire officials continue to monitor the Lake Spokane fire. Readers can stay informed by checking updates from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
