On average 4-5 million acres of land are lost in wildfires across the United States. In 2017 9.7 acres were consumed by wildfires in the United States. These numbers do not show the homes/structures that were lost in these fires.
In Eastern Washington, many of these fires are accidental or a result of negligence. Lighting off fireworks, having bonfires, burning materials, or even throwing a cigarette out of the car window on the highway-these all create fires that can easily spiral out of control and displace wildlife and families.
Lake Roosevelt in Eastern Washington is no stranger to these large fires. On July 12th, a call came into dispatch to let them know four people were lighting fireworks off of their boat at the Lincoln Boat Launch at 1:30 p.m. After the fireworks were lit, the hillside had become engulfed in flames. Because of the wildlife in the area, the fire was officially named the "Rattlesnake Fire."
The Rattlesnake Fire has taken more than 2,700 acres of the Colville Indian Reservations land and about 275 firefighters were called to fight the fire, being airdropped in, or brought in on boats due to the tough terrain. Due to these four people lighting off fireworks, 2,700 acres were taken from the wildlife. Even during the annual Fourth of July fireworks put on by Fort Spokane on the hillside, have dozens of emergency personnel, both fire engines and ambulances on the hillside at the ready. No one is exempt when it comes to fire safety.
In Spokane Washington, on July 17th, the "Bigelow-Upriver Fire" began, no one has yet reported how since the fire is so new, but it is a local party area for teenagers on hot summer days like July 17th. The fire has only been able to burn 115 acres so far and though small in size compared to the "Rattlesnake Fire," this fire has taken at least one home and burned countless others. About 700 homes are also under some type of evacuation levels three to one. The fire is 100% lined, but not contained.
Fires are avoidable.
Many people try to say they had no idea a fire could be started so easily, but we see this so often and we see it every year. That can no longer be an excuse. In 2017, Spokane air quality was so horrible that residents were advised to stay inside for a majority of the end of the summer. Fire season is so important to know about and to be educated on. Most Washington camping areas have signs of Smokey the Bear that show the fire risks, from light and moderate to high probability. Once the sign hits high, burn bans are in effect. Do not ignore these signs, doing so could equate to loss for wildlife and the surrounding residents.
Ways you can help:
1) Avoid activities that could cause an outdoor fire, i.e. fireworks, burning materials, bonfires, etc.
2) Become a volunteer firefighter, during fire season extra help is always needed for fires like the Rattlesnake Fire. Not only do you help the firefighters already combating the fire, it's also a great experience.
3) Volunteer at the shelters used by the Red Cross for displaced families whose homes were lost by the fires, or are threatened.