About a decade ago, the prospect of a wildfire in southwest Washington wasn’t as severe as it is today, said Chehalis Fire Chief Ken Cardinale, adding that changing weather patterns resulting in fire-prone conditions will require the public to be more proactive in protecting property.
“The threat of wildfire here in Lewis County has changed over the past five to 10 years,” said Cardinale. “The weather patterns are changing. It’s been dryer, more arid and the summers have been longer.”
Cardinale said that for the past few years, he’s conducted community meetings at local granges, in cooperation with county fire district chiefs, on how to make homes as fire-proof as possible.
As a former California firefighter, Cardinale said he’s watched as changing weather patterns have crept up the west coast, bringing with them enhanced opportunities for wildfire.
The combustible, natural fuel that feeds fires has always been here, but drier, warmer conditions increase fuel’s potential to actually contribute to a wildfire.