Potentially dangerous drought conditions are expected this summer across most of Washington. The state’s Department of Ecology has made an emergency drought declaration. This comes as we have seen drier and warmer conditions this year, which has lead to a lower snowpack. The entire state is under the drought emergency with the exception of the Everett, Seattle and Tacoma metro areas, for now.
- PUB DATE: 4/19/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 Seattle

VIDEO: Fire officials said a fire in Benton City spread to be around 20 acres of property and destroyed at least 5 buildings. While the cause is still under investigation, officials said it may have started due to a spark from a piece of machinery in a nearby field. The fire was able to spread quickly to several trees and a nearby abandoned home.
- PUB DATE: 4/18/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Apple Valley News Now

Fire Chief Paul Stonemetz celebrated his retirement on Thursday, April 11, surrounded by family, colleagues, and community members. At the event, Chief Stonemetz was honored with the Statewide Volunteer Award from Serve Washington, the Governor’s Commission on National & Community Service. The Award was presented to Stonemetz by Michael Grayum, Zillah City Administrator and commissioner for Serve Washington.
- PUB DATE: 4/18/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Sunnyside Sun - Metered Site

Clallam County Fire District 3 and the City of Sequim are once again partnering to bring routine fire and life safety inspections to the Sequim area after filling the fire code technician vacancy this month. John McKenzie, the district’s current volunteer coordinator, was hired to reestablish fire and life safety inspections in commercial and multi-family structures in the Sequim area.
- PUB DATE: 4/17/2024 5:30:00 AM - SOURCE: Sequim Gazette Online - Metered Site

Prescribed burns are planned for the next several weeks throughout the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. Burns will take place near Fort Spokane Employee Housing, the Fort Spokane Campground and Boat Launch. About 50 acres will be affected between April 18 and May 10, though final dates are still tentative.
- PUB DATE: 4/17/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KHQ-TV NBC 6 Spokane