TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — Wildfires this summer in Washington have burned about 567 square miles. Last year wildfires burned about 156 square miles in the state.
State Forester Aaron Everett says this year’s scorched acreage is about six times the five-year average of 95 square miles. He also says the state has spent more than $100 million on wildfires through August. The Department of Natural Resources’ fire suppression budget is about $25 million.
The News Tribune reports Everett gave his account of the fire season at a meeting Wednesday of Results Washington, Gov. Jay Inslee’s program to improve government efficiency.
