Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove is urging residents to take extra precautions this weekend as rising temperatures, dry conditions and forecast winds increase the risk of wildfires across the state.
According to the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), weather conditions expected this weekend include potentially record high temperatures across the Puget Sound region on Sunday, along with warming and drying conditions east of the Cascades and winds throughout the state that could contribute to rapid wildfire spread.
“I’m asking Washingtonians to remember that one spark is all it takes and to recreate responsibly and work safely around our homes and properties. Don’t be that spark this weekend,” Upthegrove said in a statement.
The warning comes as DNR reports it has responded to 213 fires so far during the 2026 fire season. Of those, 99 were caused by escaped yard debris burns, making them the leading cause of wildfires this year by a wide margin.
“We’re looking at a long and active fire season with the potential for large fires that could tie up resources and impact communities around the state,” Upthegrove said. “We all play an important role in wildfire prevention.”
DNR officials said approximately 80 to 90 percent of wildfires in Washington each year are caused by human activity.
“Human caused ignitions are a huge part of the wildfire problem in Washington and the part we can best influence, which is helpful,” said Russ Lane, manager of DNR’s Wildfire Division. “If you do need to burn, make sure it’s allowed by your local fire authority, have a permit, have the resources available to contain it. That’s where we can make the biggest gains right now.”
The agency encouraged residents to check local restrictions before lighting campfires, never leave flames unattended and use extreme caution with fireworks and other ignition sources.
People working outdoors are also encouraged to keep a shovel and water source nearby in case a spark ignites dry vegetation.
Upthegrove, a longtime South King County resident who was born and raised in the area, still calls the region home.
DNR said additional wildfire prevention information and safety recommendations are available through the agency’s public outreach resources.
