Worse Fire Conditions Predicted Despite Recent Rains

Fire officials warn that eastern Washington could be heading into a longer and more active wildfire season, with dry conditions, low snowpack, early vegetation growth, and an already-enacted burn ban raising concerns across the region. The National Interagency Fire Center’s (NIFC) latest seasonal outlook issued on June 1 projected above-normal significant wildland fire potential for the Inland Northwest and much of the western United States through the summer. The outlook covers June through September and notes that “above-normal” fire potential is expected to increase across the Northwest as east-side areas dry out, live fuels cure, and low snowpack exposes higher-elevation fuels ahead of schedule. While June is usually a quieter month for large fires, forecasters said they expect more activity than normal this year, followed by heightened concerns in July and August, when wildfire season typically reaches its peak. The NIFC outlook projects above-normal significant fire potential across all Northwest Predictive Services Areas by August, with above-normal potential expected to continue into September across the region. NIFC points to several warning signs. According to the agency, May was warm and generally dry across Oregon and Washington, with temperatures running 3-7 degrees above normal and many locations receiving less than 30-50% of normal precipitation. Snow water equivalent remained well below normal in late May, and melt-out below 6,000 feet was largely complete, exposing higher-elevation fuels earlier than usual. NIFC officials said conditions over the past year have lined up to create a more dangerous fire season. Low winter snow- pack across much of the West, including eastern Washington, allowed some moun- tain and timber areas to dry out earlier than usual. Below about 6,000 feet, snow- pack conditions were especially poor in parts of Washington and north Idaho. According to NIFC, early snowmelt also helped start the growing season sooner. Grasses and brush that greened up early are expected to cure earlier, creating more dry fuel for wildfires as summer progresses. Recent rain in parts of eastern Washington may slow the start of some fires, but officials said it will not reverse the region’s deeper dryness. The national outlook also noted that late-month rain in parts of the Northwest provided only brief relief and did not change the overall dry trend. Pe- riodic rainfall could help reduce risk, but a stretch of hot, dry weather could quickly increase danger. Drought conditions also expanded across Oregon and Washington in May, including increased abnormally dry and moderate drought coverage in eastern Washington. NIFC’s outlook says low-elevation live fuels have begun curing and are no longer providing a reliable barrier to fire spread, while the moderating effect of green-up is fading during warm and dry periods. The fire danger comes as burning restrictions are already in place. The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) imposed a partial burn ban on May 29. Non-permitted debris burning is no lon- ger allowed. Permitted burns may continue only if they follow permit guidelines. DNR officials said people living in wild- land-urban interface areas should review evacuation plans, prepare go-bags, locate medications, and gather important documents or valuables before an emergen- cy. Residents should also understand the three evacuation levels: Level 1, Ready; Level 2, Set; and Level 3, Go. Officials said following evacuation orders helps protect both residents and fire- fighters. When people leave early, crews can move into threatened areas more safely. Snowtel data for northeast Washington showed that snow water equivalent tracked mountain peaks have dropped to zero for the summer. May saw six days of thunderstorms, 12 days of light rain, and one day of heavy rain in the northeast Washington area. Nearly 8 inches of rain has fallen in the Colville area in 2026 which is well below the historical average of 14 inches.