SPOKANE, Wash. — With the lack of snow this year, many may be wondering how this will impact eastern Washington’s fire season.
Guy Gifford, with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), says that there could be some impact but it’s too early to tell.
Fire season is impacted by moisture more than anything else. Even though we haven’t been getting snow doesn’t mean that we have received moisture in the Inland Northwest.
Gifford mentions that there are a few areas that could have a longer fire season because of the lack of snow in the mountains. If you live near ski resorts like Mt. Spokane, 49 Degrees North, Schweitzer, Lookout or Silver, Gifford says that a lack of snow could mean a longer dry season in a few months.
When plants go dormant, that’s when they become fuel. “The snow on the mountains helps keep fire season short because the snow starts growing late and the plants start growing late,” said Gifford. “For us to have fire season the plants have to grow up, go dormant and dry out. Lack of snow could cause them to dry out earlier than a normal season.”
Even with that in mind, Gifford reminds the public that there is still time for additional snow to fall that could help keep things from drying out quickly.
