WASHINGTON – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed the possibility of an above-average fire season.
In April, the National Interagency Fire Center released a report detailing wildland fire potential through the summer of 2025. They also released a new report May 1, which has yet to be released with the public, however, DNR confirms above-average potential in Washington State.
Matthew Dehr, a wildland fire meteorologist for DNR, says things could begin as early as June depending on this month’s conditions.
“There are some indications that we’ll get moisture into the state sometime mid-May,” said Dehr. “If we’re not getting moisture through May… fire season could start really, really hot, and by early June.”
Matt Callihan, an incident meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Pendleton, noted several factors contributing to the fire potential in Washington.
“Looking at the snowpack, especially over the Washington Cascades, is relatively about 50 to 70% of normal. We’re also seeing a moderate drought over the Washington Cascades currently,” Callihan stated.
Callihan says that between Oregon and Washington, nearly 2 million acres were burnt in 2024.
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources mentioned that their team, while smaller due to state and federal budget cuts, are still actively preparing for the season. Dehr says the public can help too.
“A key factor is limiting the number of human-caused ignitions on the landscape. If we get those numbers down, we reduce the overall number of fires,” Dehr said.
According to the DNR, an upwards of 80% of homes lost to wildland fires could have been saved through the creation of defensible spaces. The DNR recommends 12 steps to help defend your home, including the regular mowing of lawns, removing tree limbs over your roof and more.
Ready.gov also recommends creating a go-bag for wildfires, which include water, food, first aid, maps, and masks.
