wildfires

Washington Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove and state forester George Geissler reflected on lessons so far from one of the most intense wildfire years on record.

About a thousand lightning strikes hit the north and northeast parts of the state last weekend.

Most evacuees have been allowed to return to their homes near burn zones in Spokane, despite concerns about lingering toxins.

The expenses will be split among local, state and federal agencies. The $207 million includes firefighting costs, such as crews and aircraft, and does not include disaster recovery expenses.

Gov. Bob Ferguson is suspending the enforcement of some state laws to help thousands recover from devastating fires. He announced the change in Spokane on Monday.

Officials say between 700 and 1,100 structures were destroyed, but it will take time before the full picture is known.

The Kaiser Canyon Fire in Northeastern Washington, still largely uncontained, is mainly burning on the Colville Reservation and has displaced over 1,000 people from the area.

Share this with your firework-loving friends

Republicans were able to advance the wildfire bill with that rule attached. The move all but guarantees the wildfire bill’s failure, Democratic leaders say.

The number of Washington homeowners getting nonrenewal notices from their insurance companies has more than doubled since 2021. Officials blame wildfire risk.