It's a sign that another flame-and-smoke-filled wildfire season is upon us. Effective Friday, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources is increasing the fire danger rating from "low" to "moderate" for ten Eastern Washington fire danger rating areas. It's a brand new system being put into place this fire season based on the distinct landscapes on this side of Washington and how the wind tends to blow through those areas (canyons, valleys, etc.) and influence wildfires, explained DNR Communications Manager Janet Pearce.
"Instead of basing the fire danger rating by county, it is now based on geographic areas that share similar fuels, climate, and topography in addition to administrative boundaries," Pearce wrote in a news release.