3+ week, 2+ day ago   (341+ words) In the span of a month, firefighting costs for 20 wildfires burning across Washington have totalled $207 million, according to data from the state’s Department of Natural Resources. The expenses will be split among local, state and federal agencies. But the number…...

3+ week, 3+ day ago   (251+ words) A helicopter heads to drop water on the Deer Creek Fire on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, after a pickup near the Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News) The Deer Creek Fire remained zero percent contained Friday morning, as…...

3+ week, 3+ day ago   (498+ words) The Higgins family (right) stand alongside friends Jeff Wilkins and Debi Koch with the first donations heading to Spokane. David Bernauer Karl Higgins is collecting donations in Hayden for Spokane fire victims. Inspired by an email from his church pastor…...

3+ week, 3+ day ago   (511+ words) Josh Gilliam, owner of Bug Out Pest and Spray Service, stands in front of his truck. Bug Out has ballooned over the year it’s been in business and has now expanded into sprinkler repair. MOSES LAKE — After a year of…...

3+ week, 4+ day ago   (398+ words) A column of smoke from the Cherry Peak Fire is visible from the area of the Thompson Falls airport on the afternoon of Aug. 18. (Courtesy InciWeb) Smoke was first spotted rising above Cherry Peak just before 2 p.m. on Tuesday. An initial…...

3+ week, 5+ day ago   (401+ words) Smoke obscures a sunrise in Glacier National Park earlier this month. The blanket of wildfire smoke that settled into Flathead Valley this summer affects everyday life for residents, ranging from minor irritation to life-threatening impacts for people with chronic health…...

3+ week, 5+ day ago   (820+ words) Fire managers said their top priorities include securing containment lines near Salmon Meadows and Toats Coulee while continuing structure protection efforts around Toby’s Mill. More than 1,700 personnel are assigned to the incident. The Kaiser Canyon Fire near Nespelem is now…...

3+ week, 5+ day ago   (744+ words) Moses Lake High School Athletic Director Loren Sandhop shared some insight on how he navigates the unpredictable nature of wildfire season and its impact on high school sports. MIKE MAYNARD/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD MOSES LAKE — With wildfires popping up across…...

3+ week, 5+ day ago   (790+ words) Nearly 700,000 acres have burned across Idaho so far this year, and state officials are predicting fire risk will remain high through September. As the costs to fight fires increase, state agency staff said they plan to increase Idaho’s dedicated funding…...

3+ week, 6+ day ago   (333+ words) Despite the severity of fires across the nation and the limited availability of resources, fire managers were provided with the crews, equipment and supplies needed to successfully protect homes, critical infrastructure and timber values. Local teams have resumed command of…...