Firefighters bracing for a busy fire season
krem.com
Posted on May 12, 2010 at 4:32 PM
Updated today at 5:14 PM
MEAD, Wash. -- Firefighters across the Inland Northwest are bracing for what could be a very busy summer. Low snow-pack, mixed with a dry summer ahead, could create the perfect combination for wildfires.
The Inland Northwest is prone to seasonal wildfires each and every year. Forecaster say this summer could be different, thanks to an El Niño winter. Every year, firefighters go through the routine of practicing how to say safe in fires, and how to defend against them. But with this year's forecast in mind, that practice could be put to use.
Imagine fire is hot on your trail, and you yank out the shelter that could save your life. Firefighters say the air is cooler on the ground than it is just a few inches off the surface. The practice is another sign at Spokane Fire District 9 headquarters that wildfire season is approaching. For the crew, the experience of being close to a fire line never goes away.
"When they actually make a run late in the afternoon and the pure sound of it. It's hard to describe, like a freight train," said Spokane Fire District 9 Captain Greg Anderson.
Chief Bob Anderson hopes those freight trains steer clear of people and homes. Anderson often travels around the country, helping manage wildfire suppression. He knows the outlook is not good.
"Certainly, we have a substantial amount of fuel that's been killed, standing dry and dead timber. A lot of homes that would be at risk," said Anderson.
Chief Anderson is reminding homeowners how they can protect themselves against wildfires. Defensible space around the home, prepare for possible evacuations, and know an escape route.
http://www.krem.com/news/local/Firefighters-bracing-for-a-busy-fire-season-93634134.html
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