Washington wildfires

Artificial intelligence is helping scientists better understand wildfire emissions in the Northwest.

The Biden administration is directing $930 million toward reducing wildfire dangers in 10 western states by clearing trees and underbrush from national forests. The work is projected to cost up to $50 billion. Last year’s climate and infrastructure bills combined included about $5 billion for the task.

As wildfires grow, so do the costs for fighting those fires. But many states are failing to adequately budget for wildfire costs, according to a new report from The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Scientists are studying old wildfires to find what forest treatments slowed the flames – and what treatments didn’t work so well. Researchers are looking closely at the Schneider Springs fire, the largest wildfire in Washington in 2021.

Although the immediate threats of the smoke and flames from the Bolt Creek Fire have subsided, what comes next is worrying emergency agencies throughout Washington: an elevated risk for debris flows and landslides on the land left parched by the fire.

This year’s fire season has been the mildest year for Washington in a decade. But, the season isn’t over yet.

Forecasters predicted strong, gusting winds and low humidity across western Oregon and Washington beginning Friday and authorities warned of heightened wildfire danger after an unseasonably hot and dry late summer. The red flag warning was in effect through Saturday, with temperatures in the 90s.

Even with smoke, you can breathe easier. Scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have practical tips to keep the air clean inside homes despite the smoke in Northwest skies.

The U.S. Forest Service is looking at something different — very different — to improve situational awareness at big wildfires: high altitude balloons.

A small town in Washington state was evacuated due to a fast-moving fire that burned a half-dozen homes. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office said on Facebook that residents of Lind needed to flee due to the encroaching flames. Later Thursday, Sheriff Dale Wagner said the fire was starting to calm down and evacuations were lifted.