DNR: Extreme Fire Weather Expected In Eastern Washington This Weekend

The National Weather Service has issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation alert, reserved for the worst fire weather conditions

With strong winds expected to align with high temperatures and dry fuels, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is projecting Saturday to be an extremely challenging and hazardous fire weather event in Eastern Washington.

The National Weather Service issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) alert for the area this morning, the first time a PDS has been issued for Washington state. A step above the more common Red Flag Warning, this type of alert is typically reserved for the worst fire weather conditions. Winds gusting up to 50 miles per hour are expected, which will drive significant growth on existing fires. Any new ignitions will grow rapidly.

"With extremely dry fuels on the landscape, wildfires are already growing rapidly and are hard to control," said Russ Lane, DNR's Wildland Fire Division manager. "High winds on Saturday will create explosive fire growth that is rarely seen in Washington state."

DNR is coordinating with Washington's utilities ahead of this event. Utilities may use Enhanced Powerline Settings or Public Safety Power Shutoffs to prevent additional fires on the landscape. People should expect potential outages due to those preventive shutoffs or fire damage to power lines. It is important to have a backup plan if the power goes out.

Additional fire suppression resources are being mustered in response as DNR takes steps to prepare for the event. Resources have been mobilized by state partners from as far away as Florida. A strike team of engines was transported by barge from Alaska this week. A CAL FIRE Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) is assuming command of the Sinlahekin Fire near Loomis. Interagency CIMTs from the Northern Rockies, Alaska and California are also deployed.

The Washington National Guard is mobilizing 110 Guard members, previously trained by DNR, to form five hand crews in support. It is the first time in four years that conditions have necessitated DNR requesting National Guard ground support. They will join the Guard's three heavy helicopters already working on fires in Central Washington.

DNR firefighters have been joined by crews from Washington's private firefighting contractors, the fire service and other federal agencies. They are already hard at work combating 10 large, uncontained fires burning across approximately 225,000 acres statewide.

"The support from our local, state and federal partners has been terrific. We're all fully engaged in this fight," Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove said. "I'm calling on Washingtonians-please, don't be a spark this weekend. Your choices could literally save lives."

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MEDIA CONTACT

Thomas Kyle-Milward

Wildfire Communications Manager

Cell: 360-529-7184

[email protected]