OLYMPIA — The Department of Natural Resources says nearly 700 wildfires this year in Washington burned a total of more than 15 square miles.
Spokeswoman Janet Pearce said there’s a chance of a few more fires, but the department dropped its burn ban Wednesday on state-protected lands as rainfall is increasing and temperatures are falling.
Pearce said the exact numbers so far are 697 wildfires and 9,883 acres.
Officials are still adding up the costs of this year’s firefighting effort.
The department is responsible for fighting fires on 13 million acres of state, tribal and private lands in Washington.
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