VIDEO: Wildfire smoke is settling over parts of western Washington as haze and high temperatures move into the region, creating dangerous conditions for firefighters and residents alike. In Darrington, volunteer firefighter Ryder Miller is preparing for what could be a demanding stretch of heat and smoke. When the call comes in, he’ll be carrying 50 pounds of gear into conditions that can reach 800 degrees inside a burning building.
“I’m just thinking about how I’m going to deal with it and what challenges to overcome,” Miller said. By noon Tuesday, temperatures in Darrington had already reached 91 degrees — a dangerous mark not just for the community, but for the firefighters responding to calls. Heatstroke and dehydration are always a risk.
“You’re used to coming out of a fire to get a little relief, strip down your jacket, but the relief isn’t there when it’s hot and humid, like today,” Darrington Fire Chief Joel Johnson said.
Summer brings a unique set of challenges to a rural, mountain town like Darrington. Campers can accidentally spark wildfires. Climbers can get stranded, straining local resources. A crash on heavily traveled Highway 530 is always a possibility, and water rescues remain a constant concern.
“We’ve got water, not to mention all of the health risks that come with smoke, so we just try to be prepared for that,” Johnson said. “The way this summer has gone so far, it seems like all the calls come at once.”
The change in air quality has been stark. Photos show Darrington’s White Horse Mountain a week ago, its snow-capped peak clearly visible. In a photo taken Tuesday, the same mountain is veiled in a haze of gray smoke. To the west, views of the Olympic Mountains have disappeared.
KING-TV NBC 5 Seattle
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