As forecasters and fire officials warn of increased fire risk throughout the state this summer, the big fires most likely to be proximate to Kitsap County residents are the ones that start in the Olympic Mountains.
Drought conditions persist in the Olympics, elevating the risk of wildfires and pushing fire officials in towns that border Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forests to be prepared for a fire season that could start earlier than usual.
“Right now, we’re looking at a moderate fire danger, which is about a month and a half early,” said Tim Manly, Brinnon fire chief. “Obviously that’s concerning.”
August usually brings the biggest risk for fires on the Olympic Peninsula, said Todd Rankin, interagency fire management officer with Olympic National Park, but if dry conditions continue, they could begin earlier.
Susan Garner, Olympic National Forest spokeswoman, warned that even if fires stick to the typical timeframe, the quantity may increase. “We’re expecting August is going to be a really big season for us, possibly before."