Latest news with #WashingtonStateDepartmentofNaturalResources
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Wildfire breaks out near Cle Elum, evacuation orders in place
The Brief A wildfire burning near Cle Elum is estimated at 60 acres, prompting evacuation notices for people living in the area. Multiple resources have been called in to battle the Red Bridge Fire. The fire size was previously estimated at 200 acres, but has since been revised to 60 acres. CLE ELUM, Wash. - Firefighters continue to battle a wildfire burning near Cle Elum that prompted evacuation notices for people living in the area. What we know The Red Bridge Fire is estimated to be around 60 acres, burning about 7 miles east of Cle Elum. The fire was previously estimated at 200 acres but has since been revised. People living on Wiehl Road, Arrowleaf Lane, Loping Lane, Nordic Lane and Pine Duff Drive are under Level 3 evacuations, meaning leave the area immediately. Level 2 evacuations, meaning be ready to leave, are in effect for people living south of Red Bridge Road to State Route 970, and west of Teanaway Road. At least two structures were destroyed. Multiple ground and air resources are responding to the fire. The public is asked to clear the area for emergency traffic. What we don't know There is no word on the wildfire's containment at this time, though the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office says it is holding at 60 acres. The cause of the fire is under investigation. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. The Source Information in this story came from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and Kittitas County Sheriff's Office. Search for Travis Decker: Authorities identify 'new details, new search areas' in WA Former Army squadmate shares insight into Travis Decker's military past Woman dies after Seattle house fire; arson investigation underway Miles Hudson found guilty on 2 counts of reckless driving in Seattle 11 injured after teen speeds, causes fiery crash in Lacey Man hurt after shooting near University of Washington To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Trees face a deadly new pest in Pierce County, including at popular park
A damaging beetle species continues to be found in Pierce County, raising concerns for pine trees at Chambers Creek Regional Park. Jessica Stone, a natural lands steward and arborist for Pierce County, said she first noticed trees dying at Chambers Creek Regional Park around February 2024, when she came across a patch of pine trees that were turning brown. After surveying the problem, the county identified a California fivespines ips (CFI) outbreak and removed around 100 trees that had been infected last spring, she said. While this outbreak raised concerns, the county has continued to monitor the area — early this year, a new CFI outbreak was discovered in a patch of 18 pine trees next to the Playground by the Sound in the north meadow area of the park, Stone said. All 18 trees — which included ponderosa pine, scotch pine, black pine and shore pine — were removed on Wednesday. Stone added that CFI infestations create small holes in the trees that are difficult to spot, and said the beetles pose no danger to humans. The playground at Chambers Creek Regional Park remained open during the tree removal process, she said. 'You would never notice,' she said about the beetles. 'The only reason I was able to even find one is that we cut into a dead tree.' According to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, California fivespined ips is a type of bark beetle traditionally native to California and Oregon — in 2010, they were first recorded in the state of Washington, and since then, outbreaks have continued to crop up, especially toward Eastern Washington. CFI were first recorded to be killing pines in Western Washington in July 2022, when a deadly infestation was found in ponderosa pines at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Pierce County, according to the state DNR. Rather than being invasive, CFI appear to be expanding upon their existing native territories in California and Oregon, said Todd Murray, an entomologist and director of the Puyallup Research and Extension Center at Washington State University. They focus on attacking and reproducing in pine trees specifically, he added. Murray, who is working with Pierce County to study the CFI outbreak, said when bark beetle outbreaks occur, it can be an indicator of overall forest health, adding the beetles can more easily overwhelm trees suffering from drought or other stress. Although it is unfortunate to have to remove more trees at Chambers Creek, the relatively small size of the latest outbreak is a positive sign, Stone said. 'It's a good sign that we don't have what we were seeing last year,' she said. 'So going from a high of over 100 to 18 is phenomenal.' Henry Adams, an associate professor in the School of the Environment at WSU, said WSU has partnered with the DNR to monitor outbreaks of CFI across Washington, and added that this year, the amount of trees killed in those infestations has been significantly less than that of the previous year, although it is difficult to provide an estimate of the amount of trees affected. Adams, who has also worked with Pierce County to track the infestations, said bark beetles can be identified by their Y-shaped carvings below the outer layer of tree bark, and added that their holes may also be visible, although those exit and entry points may be difficult to tell apart from another insect's. The beetles also tend to attack larger trees that can offer more phloem — the inner bark that transports sugars and other materials throughout the tree — for their larvae to feed off of, and might leave smaller trees be, he added. Heat stress doesn't often appear immediately in trees, Stone said, adding that it can take a couple years after an event such as a heatwave to see the effects on a forest. She said these outbreaks could be indicative of stress the trees endured a couple summers ago. Although the researchers have largely been working in parks, pine trees on private property have also been found to have CFI infestations, Adams added. He said residents should avoid leaving broken tree branches or wood chippings scattered around their yards because they can attract beetles. He added that ensuring trees are properly watered can also help ward off the insects, as the water may help pine trees produce resin that they can use to defend themselves at the site of CFI attacks. Wary of future outbreaks, the county is also working to implement preventative measures to support tree health and ward off CFI, Stone said. The county has tried using insecticides to fend off the beetles, but found them ineffective, Stone said. They now focus on promoting the right conditions to support healthy trees. Stone said the county plans to plant new trees in the park following the removal of the infested group, although researchers will evaluate the park's space to plan for increased diversity of tree species and larger spacing to avoid overcrowding, both of which can help deter future outbreaks and promote forest health. Following those decisions, new trees may not be planted in the same spot as the removal, but elsewhere in the park, she added. The trees felled on Wednesday will be turned into wood chips, baked in the sun to rid them of beetles, and then used as mulch to help keep moisture in the ground around other trees in the area, Stone said. 'It's keeping our trees healthy, keeping them well-pruned, making sure we don't have a bunch of dead branches hanging around that might attract ips, or stressed, broken branches, which might attract the ips — so good tree hygiene and good tree care,' Stone said.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Crews battle Second Creek Fire near Leavenworth, WA
The Brief Crews are battling a wildfire that sparked north of Leavenworth on Tuesday. The fire is estimated at 153 acres. A Level 1 Fire Advisory is in effect. CHELAN COUNTY, Wash. - Crews are battling a wildfire that sparked just north of Leavenworth on Tuesday. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) sent out the initial alert at 2:56 p.m. The Second Creek Fire is estimated at 153 acres and is burning about eight miles north of Leavenworth. The fire grew about 100 acres an hour after the DNR's 2:56 p.m. post. DNR shared multiple photos of the fire, noting that both air and ground firefighting resources have been deployed. According to Chelan County Emergency Management, a Level 1 Fire Advisory is in effect from the intersection of Merry Canyon Road to Second Creek Road. This means residents should be aware that there is a fire in the area. A Level 2 Fire Advisory means residents should get ready to leave, and a Level 3 means residents should leave immediately. The cause of the fire remains unknown. Further information is limited at this time. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. The Source Information in this story comes from a social media post by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and Chelan County Emergency Management. Sweltering weather in store for Seattle this week Motorcyclist killed, driver arrested after Puyallup crash Mom of slain Idaho victim Xana Kernodle asks for help attending Bryan Kohberger trial Seattle Memorial Day weekend 2025: Your guide to events, traffic, more Tears, heartbreak at Chase Jones sentencing—teen in fatal Renton, WA crash Seattle police make arrests at counterprotest to 'Mayday USA' event in Capitol Hill Tree-sitter enters third week in WA's Olympic Foothills to halt logging Free housing for a felon? Kirkland, WA neighbors concerned over homeless hotel plans To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Firefighters in western WA train for possibility of 'above average' wildfire season
The Brief Wildfires are now an annual threat in western Washington, intensified by climate change. Fire agencies across the state are proactively preparing and training for an "above average" wildfire season. Public cooperation is crucial, as over 85% of wildfires are human-caused, officials warn. NORTH BEND, Wash. - Once a rare occurrence, wildfires have become an annual threat in western Washington. Fire agencies in the region said the risk intensifies every year due to climate change. Now, crews are proactively preparing themselves and the public for the upcoming season. "People need to understand that it's time to prepare. It's time to harden your home. It's time to be ready for those fires that are going to occur in western Washington on the wildland urban interface," said Ryan Rodruck, the state lands and wildfire communications manager for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Big picture view Firefighters from 16 regional agencies participated in the annual "Ready, Set, Go!" Evacuation and Wildfire Firefighting Demonstration Day, held in North Bend. The yearly training gives wildland firefighters an opportunity to join forces to spread awareness of emergency evacuation procedures, provide education about wildfire mitigation practices, and demonstrate wildfire firefighting techniques. "There are fires now happening in western Washington that we need to be prepared for. We just witnessed it in Palisades. Those people weren't prepared for what occurred," said Seth Merritt, battalion chief with Eastside Fire & Rescue. Merritt was one of four members from Eastside Fire & Rescue that were called to help in the destructive Palisades Wildfire in California. It scorched nearly 24,000 acres full of homes and businesses in January. Washington experienced similar devastation with the Sumner-Grade Fire in 2020, and the Bolt Creek Fire in 2022. Merritt said lessons learned from all those fires help local agencies train their crews for the possibility of more threats. "It's learning how to work with each other's equipment, with each other's processes so that when the incident does happen, we're better prepared," said Merritt. "There's new firefighters and seasoned veterans that are out here going through this training, working together, going through different stations in that training." Though it's still early in the year, the DNR is already estimating this could be an "above average" wildfire season. "We have the aircraft we need. We have the resources we need, and we're well-prepared to serve the residence of the state of Washington," said Rodruck. "DNR is very well-prepared to address those fires that occur under our protection, but it's very important for folks to help us in fighting those fires and have a plan and harden your home." While the DNR is prepared to fight the flames in its jurisdiction, Rodruck said some federal resources could be in question in the future. "We have had some concerns over those federal cuts. DNR as a state agency is prepared to address those fires that happen on our jurisdiction. I think what's concerning is the lack of communication that has come from the federal government while they've been making changes to wildfire," said Rodruck. Officials with other agencies, like Eastside, said they have added more resources to better equip themselves for the upcoming and future wildfire seasons. "We've upped our preparedness level. We've added hose and tool compliments to our first-out engines so that we're more ready to deal with wildland. We also are adding two new brush trucks next week, which brings our brush truck fleet to the highest it's ever been with six," said Merritt. The local, county and state fire agencies said its crews are prepared for the wildland fire season. However, they are still relying on members of the public to use caution and help reduce the risk. King County Emergency Management said more than 85% of wildland fires are caused by humans. "The risk in western Washington is greatly increasing," said Brendan McCluskey, director of King County Emergency Management. McCluskey said part of the annual wildland fire training is also teaching crews how to educate community members on wildfire preparedness and mitigation practices. He said property owners can start their preparations by creating a safety plan, especially when responding to the three levels of evacuation, "Ready, Set, Go." "We want people to understand that when an evacuation order is issued, we want them to pay attention to it. We also want them to do things like have a kit ready, including a kit in their car. Have a plan to evacuate where they're going to go. And be able to get messages to things like Alert King County," said McCluskey. The Source Information in this story came from Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Eastside Fire & Rescue and King County Emergency Management. Recovery effort underway after boat sinks in Possession Sound near Everett, WA Shawn Kemp lawyers claim bias in Tacoma Mall shooting case as trial nears Federal judge blocks Trump's dismantling of the Department of Education 'Where is Teekah?': Mother speaks out after Tacoma, WA cold case Activist marks 2 weeks in tree to protest logging near Port Angeles Driver arrested after deadly crash in Kent, WA To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
New program launches in rural WA to proactively plan for wildfire season
The Brief The "Wildfire Ready Neighbors" program aims to equip Washington residents with knowledge and resources ahead of wildfire season. It comes as the state is seeing more drought conditions and low snowpack, similar threats that made wildfires in 2024 so destructive. PORT LUDLOW, Wash. - Last year was a destructive year for wildfire season in Washington. State experts said drought conditions and low snowpack are making matters worse. The threat is back for 2025, as the west side of the state saw the driest January since the 1940s. One community is proactively working to help residents protect their properties from structural damage. The East Jefferson Fire Rescue partnered with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources to launch "Wildfire Ready Neighbors." It's a program designed to equip residents with knowledge and resources ahead of wildfire season. "We are seeing increasing wildfire incidents in Jefferson County. It is incumbent upon all of us to know the risks and be prepared. Every summer we see wildfire, and every time, people start to wonder how they should prepare themselves. What this program allows us to do is provide a beginner-friendly outline of actions for residents," said Bret Black, chief of East Jefferson Fire Rescue. Jefferson County is located on the northwest tip of the state. Though it's one of Washington's lushest and greenest areas, fire officials said the dryness in the air and shifting winds are increasing fire risks. "We're finding that the weather and the climate really is impacting the fire risk a lot more," said Robert Wittenberg, community risk manager with East Jefferson Fire Rescue. The backstory Fire risks are all too familiar for communities on the peninsula. In 2024, a raging wildfire scorched the slopes of Mount Jupiter, which burned nearly 400 acres. It was a tall task to put out flames for such a small and rural community. Black said wildfires in preceding years have also presented challenges in his area. "We're really isolated and remote, and we don't have a lot of resources," said Black. "The amount of reflex time it takes to get a large wildfire fighting cadre together is much more extended than in any part of the state because we're so remote." While East Jefferson Fire Rescue said it will continue needing support from neighboring agencies, this year they hope the Wildfire Ready Neighbors program will equip community members to help themselves in these emergencies. "Prepare them for the outcome of living through a wildfire, how to prepare your home, how to put together evacuation plans," said Black. As part of the program, firefighters are going door to door, from Port Townsend to Port Ludlow. They're providing homeowners with comprehensive guidance on how to create defensible space to protect their property. "We will point out things where there is something combustible that could be ignited by an airborne ember, or ways that they can reduce the risk of a fire running along the ground from moving up into the trees and creating what we call a crown fire, which burns very, very hot and becomes even more dangerous," said Wittenberg. So far, 40 homeowners have received this critical information from the program. Firefighters said almost 90 more homes are on the list for their guidance. "It's empowering for our community and us as first responders to add this resource to our outreach toolkit," said Black. It's a resource that could not come soon enough, as officials with the DNR said wildfire threats are increasing in western Washington. "We've seen over the last couple years, our summers have been hotter, drier, and longer," said Jesse Duvall, the DNR's community resilience coordinator. "In 2022, 30 to 40% of all fire starts in Washington state happened west of the Cascades, which is pretty significant for the amount of starts." Duvall said the DNR offers a grant for reimbursement of up to $4,000 for fire-wise communities that are working proactively to reduce risks. With less precipitation this winter and spring, Washington is growing drier, which could lead to fires burning faster. If that should happen again in Jefferson County, officials said they hope the new program arms their rural community with knowledge and a plan. "It gives consistent messaging to our community, which is so important in a rural community that we're all seeing and hearing and doing the same thing," said Black. "We're not just teaching a person to fish, metaphorically. We're teaching a community to help themselves." The Source Information in this story is from East Jefferson Fire Rescue, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and FOX 13 Seattle reporting. Seattle woman arrested for pit bull attacks: 'Let him do his thing' FEMA denies $34M in funds for WA bomb cyclone relief, gives no explanation WSDOT shuts down 103-year-old bridge in Pierce County, WA Man accused in Seattle hate crime flips off cameras, storms out of courtroom Elephants react to San Diego earthquake, swarm around young Red Robin launching Bottomless Burger Pass for National Burger Month To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
