Wildfire season is not yet over in the Inland Northwest

SPOKANE, Wash. -- Even though summer has come to a close, we are not out of the woods just yet for fire season in the Inland Northwest.

Over the last week, high winds and dust storms made their way through the region, sparking wildfire concerns.

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"If we do get any fire on the ground right now in these winds, it will behave like it's the middle of the summer at 100 degrees, just with the wind and the really, really low relative humidity," said Interim Chief Nathan Jeffries of Spokane County Fire District 9.

Chief Jeffries said as cold fronts move into the area, they create high wind events, amplifying fire danger.

Only significant rain can signal the end of fire season.

"Even the extended forecasts aren't showing any rain in the near future. So, until we get those several days of wetting rain, we are still in fire season," said Interim Chief Jeffries.

Jeffries said SCFD9 has been ready all summer to fight any fires and remains ready to act if need be.

"It's been busy. Obviously, we haven't had an Oregon or Gray-type fire, but the fire season started early and it's been consistent throughout the season," he said.

As always, it's important to practice fire safety, especially with the gusty winds and dry conditions.

"So campfires, any type of debris burning, any of that, needs to wait," said Interim Chief Jeffries.

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