State's Public Warning

Washington State like neighbors Oregon, California and Idaho have been dealing with some of the worst wildfires on record. Hot dry conditions all across the region has officials urging extreme caution when it comes to outdoor activities. The wildfires have been causing lots of problems for ag operations as well including air quality warnings for seasonal workers busy picking peaches, nectarines and apples. Livestock also must be considered when near fire lines. Some 200 head of cattle were recently evacuated from near Conconully. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is warning the public to be extremely cautious and take every available precaution to protect their families, their pets, and their most treasured possessions from wildfires during the current emergency conditions. Carrie McCausland, Deputy Direction of Communications for DNR.

McCAUSLAND: What we're asking is that people really make thoughtful decisions and really pay attention to the risk as they make those decisions because we feel this is a dire situation and by letting them know that we want them to make the best decisions for themselves knowing that we have concerns.

She says they have a video on their website that shows how fires can start from unusual sources.

McCAUSLAND: It includes things like hot exhaust systems. We also have a blog we recently put out regarding yard work, how to prevent accidentally starting a fire while you are doing simple yard maintenance.

All available resources, both statewide and nationally, are already deployed fighting wildfires across the American West, and most firefighting agencies have, by necessity, adopted a defensive posture to contain the already overwhelming spread of wildfires. For more information on emergency evacuation preparedness, please visit the DNR's website.

And that's Washington Ag Today. I'm Greg Martin, thanks for listening on the Ag Information Network of the West.