Washington wildfires

With summer just a few weeks away, new fire restrictions are rolling out to keep our communities safe from wildfires. Here’s what you need to know.

This year’s wildfire forecast shows a drop in total fires, but don’t let that fool you — intensity may be the real story.

As spring rolls in, the WDFW gears up for some controlled burns—aiming to keep our forests safe and healthy while benefiting local wildlife.

A bipartisan effort is underway in the state of Washington to make permanent a program that allows rural fire districts to call in aircraft early during wildfires.

On Tuesday, the Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation in Washington announced they had lifted the restrictions thanks to a reduction in fire levels.

On Tuesday, the USDA announced that the Forest Service is investing $200 million in 58 projects through the Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has scheduled prescribed burns for the Thurston County area this summer.  The Department said the goal of these burns, which will start as early as July 1st is to restore prairie habitat on three wildlife area units.   ...

The Washington Department of Natural Resources will turn over 15 surplus wildfire engines to fire districts in wildfire-prone rural communities across the state this spring.  The agency says this is part of their annual effort to help strengthen fire response at the local level.   “...

The Washington State Department of Agriculture is urging large animal owners to closely monitor their animals during these challenging times.

On Wednesday, Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz unveiled a request to double the state’s wildfire fighting budget.  The $55 million wildfire spending plan she says will improve wildfire response and create healthier forests.  Franz sa...