Special COVID-19 precautions necessary this wildfire season

SPOKANE, Wash. – Officials believe COVID-19 will impact the already busy wildfire season in Washington.

Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz says the pandemic will require special precautions to keep firefighters and support crews safe.

Already, there have been over 250 wildfires reported in Washington this year, which is more than twice the 10-year average for this time.

Experts say the potential for wildfires is especially high in eastern Washington this year, where the weather is expected to be warmer and drier than usual.