SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. – Fire crews contained a 1-acre fire near the Pond Loop Trail in Dishman Hills Natural Area early Friday morning, which serves as an early reminder that fire season is approaching in the Inland Northwest.
The National Interagency Fire Center says the region has above normal fire potential for June, meaning fire season conditions will start earlier.
For residents living near Dishman Hills, the fire brought wildfire risks close to home.
“This morning I took my dog out about 6 and I saw a fire truck here and a brush truck here, and I smelled smoke,” said Helge Spatz, who lives near the natural area. “Well it’s scary to me because that’s my only house and I don’t want to lose it.”
Rebecca Patrick, another nearby resident, didn’t know about the fire until later.
“I had no idea that there was a fire this morning, or that it was so close to my house and especially having a nine-month-old at home. I have my dog. I work from home, so I’m home all the time,” she said.
The Department of Natural Resources has spent recent months clearing fire fuel like pine needles and brush from the area. Some residents have also prepared their properties.
“I have a rocks river rocks around the whole side of my house. I don’t have any brush or anything,” Spatz said.
Neighbors are getting ready for fire season by preparing evacuation supplies.
“Probably have, like, a little go bag with extra toiletries. Extra clothes, you know, a diaper bag with stuff for our baby, extra dog food,” Patrick said.
The U.S. Fire Administration recommends having an evacuation route and emergency bag ready.
Residents should also sign up for emergency alerts through Alert Spokane. You can sign up for emergency alerts by clicking here.
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