Fire danger upgraded in Spokane County amid dry, hot conditions

With the thermometer reaching triple digits Tuesday and little hope for rain relief in sight, officials have upgraded the potential fire danger in Spokane and surrounding counties. The Department of Natural Resources on Wednesday upgraded the fire danger in Spokane, Okanogan and northern Lincoln counties to “very high,” meaning fires can start easily from all causes and will quickly spread if ignited. A burn ban on DNR land remains in effect for the area through September 30, though stove burning is allowed. The public is urged to check with campground officials to see if campfires are banned where they are staying. Eight complex wildfires were burning in Washington state as of Tuesday, including the massive Carlton Complex fire, which is currently 67 percent contained, according to officials. The weather will add to firefighting concerns at least through the weekend, with temperatures in the area continuing to flirt with the 100-degree mark. In Spokane, forecasters predict a slight cooling trend into the weekend after Tuesday’s intense heat, though highs are expected to remain in the 90s at least through next Tuesday.