OLYMPIA—The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) posts a detailed map of current Fire Danger warnings on their site located at https://burnportal.dnr.wa.gov/.

In eastern Washington, this new fire danger rating system was implemented in 2019. Instead of basing the fire danger rating by county, it is now based on geographic areas that share similar fuels, climate, and topography in addition to administrative boundaries and is now called Fire Danger Rating Areas (FDRAs).

The Lower Basin Fire Danger Rating Area (FDRA) is currently listed as ‘HIGH” according to the burn portal.

Currently, the Northern Blue Mountains FDRA is listed as ‘LOW’ with no burn bans in effect.

Washington State Emergency Management issued a fire warning on Friday, June 26, due to high temperatures and windy conditions in the Walla Walla Valley area, perhaps signaling the beginning of our area’s wildfire season.

The DNR “Washington State’s largest on-call fire department,” works with local fire districts to respond to wildfires employing 1,500 permanent and temporary employees.

The DNR is currently seeking wildland firefighters. Applicants must be 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license with two years driving experience and no serious traffic violations.

Each region has an independent application process, and applicants are encouraged to apply to all regions. To apply for a firefighter position, visit: https://www.dnr.wa.gov/employment/jobs