Washington DNR sends crews to Alaska

OLYMPIA-A milder-than-usual fire season has allowed the Washington State Department of Natural Resources to provide assistance in Alaska. On the week of Aug. 26 the DNR dispatched an additional 69 firefighters to help fight the raging, record-breaking wildfires there, according to a DNR media release.

This season the DNR has sent a total of 191 firefighters to Alaska to provide resources and support. Alaska has experienced hot and dry conditions this summer with very little rain. Winds have also made it difficult to suppress the 683 fires that have occurred so far, burning more than 2.5 million acres.

"I'm grateful for the support Alaskan fire crews have provided to us in our time of need. Now, it's our turn to help our neighbors," said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. "Wildfires do not care about state boundaries, which is why mutual aid and cross-state cooperation is vital. My thoughts and prayers are with the brave firefighters we are sending and the firefighters already on the fire lines."

In Washington, DNR has responded to more than 1,000 wildfires, and 129,000 acres have burned. Washington State has had an unexpected, milder summer with cooler temperatures and rain. This milder season allows DNR to send firefighters to places that have not been so fortunate.

 DNR crews in Alaska are helping to suppress Swan Lake Fire, Deshka Landing Fire, and McKinley Fire. For information on the Alaska wildfires, go to https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/.