Cost of fighting Washington wildfires nearly $35M so far
SEATTLE — The cost of fighting large wildfires in Washington state has hit nearly $35 million so far this year, as 29 large wildfires have scorched brush, grass and timber.
The Northwest Interagency Coordination Center says those large blazes have burned nearly 130 square miles, or about 81,500 acres. A large fire burns at least 100 acres in timber or 300 acres in grass or brush.
KING-TV reports that there have also been more than 1,000 small wildfires through July 21.
During the same period last year, 24 large wildfires burned about 660 square miles, or about 425,000 acres. Fire officials say last year included the Carlton Complex fire, the largest in state history.
Firefighters say danger exists not only rural areas but in suburbs and cities as well.