Wildfire protection plan input sought

Public officials are soliciting comments on a proposed wildfire protection plan for Spokane County.

The plan identifies fire-prone “urban interface areas” and recommends ways to deal with brush and other fuels. It also promotes public awareness of wildfire problems.

The plan is being developed with help from a consulting firm and numerous public agencies, but is under the auspices of Spokane County and the Washington Department of Natural Resources.

Copies of the plan are available at libraries throughout the county and an electronic version is available at www.spokaneprepares.org.

Comments will be accepted through 5 p.m., Sept. 12. They may be e-mailed to jcreighton@spokanecounty.org or mailed to: Janean Creighton, WSU Extension, 222 N. Havana St., Spokane, WA 99202-4799.

For more information, call Creighton at 477-2199 or Steve Harris, with the state Department of Natural Resources, at 684-7474.

– John Craig

Hatch Road

Latah Creek bridge to be closed

The bridge over Latah Creek at Hatch Road and U.S. Highway 195 will be closed during daytime hours for three days starting Tuesday so that city workers can repair its pavement surface. The closure will be from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Drivers are being asked to find detour routes. Emergency vehicles will be allowed access across the bridge, according to a city press release.

– Mike Prager