Clark County Fire District 3 in wildfire mode earlier than usual

Clark County Fire District 3 experienced an unexpected preview last week of its busiest season.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the district responded to four wildfires. While the fires in Clark County each burned a few acres at most, a blaze the district helped fight near Cathlamet spread over dozens of acres.

Wildfires, the most common blaze the district responds to, typically begin to pick up in July, Fire District 3 Capt. Larry Bauska said. The district’s most active season is in August and September, when lower humidity and higher winds lead to one or two wildfire calls per day, Bauska said.

Months earlier than expected, Tuesday and Wednesday offered a snapshot of that.

“Last week was highly unusual for us,” Bauska said. “I can’t think of anything like last week at any time.”

Despite wintry weather two weeks prior — snow chains are still being carried on fire vehicles throughout the district — Clark County hit 70 degrees at times last week. When battling wildfires — some contained in a ditch and others spanning many acres — firefighters determine a host of factors, including how the fire started and vegetation dryness.

“It’s very weather-driven, terrain-driven and fuel-driven,” Bauska said. “We may not contain it. We may steer it.”

The district is expecting two new brush trucks later this year, which carry 300 gallons of water. Bauska said firefighters are looking forward to the versatility the trucks provide, including an ability to drive off-road, carry water and pack medical supplies.

“We can get a good initial hit on a fire,” Bauska said. “If we can, we’ll get right out in the middle of a field and attack a fire where it’s at.”

Despite the preview last week, and although organizations like the National Weather Service offer fire forecasts, it’s difficult to say whether or not this year will be busier for firefighters than others, Bauska said.

“I don’t know that there’s real accurate information.”