Smoke from a wildfire. File photo

Smoke from a wildfire. File photo

Wind, warm temperatures raise weekend wildfire risk

Temperatures could reach the mid-80s, with gusts of wind up to 25 mph.

Hot and dry weather is predicted for Mother’s Day weekend (May 9-10), presenting an elevated risk for wildfires across the state.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources has already responded to 230 wildfires this year. Of those, 120 were caused by people burning debris.

Winds this weekend could see gusts of up to 25 mph and temperatures are expected to reach the high 70s and mid-80s. The greatest effects will likely be seen on the western slopes of the Cascades. In areas with grasses, fires will burn faster and hotter with high winds.

Temperatures should cool next week. The DNR is asking residents to not burn through the weekend.

Campfires, vehicles and equipment like chainsaws should be monitored so they don’t start fires.




Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

Courtesy Photo, Kent Police
Kent City Council considers sales tax hike to hire more police

Council could approve measure without going to voters; hike would be 10 cents on every $100 purchase

t
Kent father, 26, killed in shooting June 16 on East Hill

Family identifies Leroy Tinoga, married father of two young children

King County’s Patricia Clark Children and Family Justice Center in Seattle, where juveniles facing criminal charges are detained. COURTESY PHOTO, King County
Man, juvenile face murder charges in Kent student’s death

Kent-Meridian High student fatally shot in June 2024 during drug deal at Campus Park

t
Signs at Reith Road roundabouts in Kent take a beating

Drivers knocking down directional and yield signs at two new roundabouts

t
Kent woman faces vehicular homicide charge in March crash

Wajiha Din also faces vehicular assault in collision that killed Jose Ortiz and injured his wife

Courtesy Photo
Kent man, 63, charged with robbing Auburn bank

The suspect wore no mask, but donned an orange safety vest.

File Photo, Kent Reporter
Man fatally shot on East Hill in Kent; found inside vehicle

Incident Monday afternoon, June 16 in area of SE 240th Street and 108th Avenue SE

t
People ‘fed up’ with Trump administration protest in Covington | Photos

Estimated crowd of 1,500 lines main street in town June 14 with signs and chants

t
Kent firefighters fight three fires in three days | Photos

Puget Sound Fire responds June 10-12 to camper, house and apartment fires; no injuries

Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. FILE PHOTO, Kent Reporter
Man receives 10-year sentence for Kent parking lot killing

Fatally shot man in 2023 after he approached vehicle with baseball bat as part of ongoing feud

File Photo, Kent Reporter
Kent Police Blotter: May 26 to June 8

Incidents include domestic violence, store robbery, vehicle pursuit, copper wire theft

Washington State STEM Signing Day 2025 honorees in a group photo at a celebration event on June 6, at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center (VMAC) in Renton. Courtesy photo.
Select Kent seniors, grads honored on STEM Signing Day

Two Kentridge High students, one Kent-Meridian student receive recognition