NW braces for 2023 wildfire season, expected to be a costly one

It's fire season in the Pacific Northwest and officials say it could be a costly one.

"With the lower and mid elevations, where most of the timber and burnable material is, it's been in drought and it seems to be worsening week by week," said John Saltenberger, manager with the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center. "That's why, first and foremost, we're anticipating the fire threat in Washington to be probably the greatest in the nation at this point."

The Northwest Interagency Coordination Center brings together federal and state firefighting teams throughout Oregon and Washington.

Precipitation readings were down around Washington state last winter, which has led to "peak dryness" arriving sooner than expected for the region.

Saltenberger adds that the Northwest fire threat in 2023 may be the worst in the nation, and that all of Washington and parts of Oregon will be facing an unusually high risk, especially in July and August.

He's urging campers and others who manage fires to be very careful.

Burn bans in Washington state

As of mid June, Burn bans throughout Western Washington have already emerged.

• Kitsap County began a stage one burn ban on June 12, meaning most outdoor burning is prohibited. People can still light recreational fires, however, in approved appliances and locations.
• A modified burn ban went into effect for parts of Whatcom and Skagit Counties on June 9. No residential or land-clearing fires are allowed. The same goes for unincorporated King County.
• Pierce County has prohibited land clearing fires and fires for yard debris. Gas and charcoal grills as well as fire pits are still allowed as of June 12.
• Snohomish County has a stage 1 burn ban. All residential burning is prohibited, even if a permit has been issued. Some small, recreational fires are allowed with restrictions.