Dave Upthegrove says budget cuts to wildfire programs are fueling a more dangerous future for western Washington.
HOODSPORT, Wash. — Washington Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove toured the Bear Gulch fire on Tuesday, calling the growing wildfire near Lake Cushman “heartbreaking” and warning that residents in western Washington should brace for more fires like it.
“We’re going to have more fires like this, and bigger fires,” Upthegrove said. “That’ll cost taxpayers more and cause more damage.”
The lands chief criticized lawmakers for approving what he described as deep cuts to wildfire prevention and response efforts in the most recent state budget.
“The Legislature made deep cuts this last year to wildfire prevention and response, cutting the budget by more than 50 percent,” he said.
The Bear Gulch fire, which started July 6, has burned more than 5,000 acres in Mason County. Investigators said it was human-caused but have not determined whether it was accidental or intentional. Anyone with information is asked to call 541-618-2154.
Incident Commander Nate LeFevre said protecting homes remains the top priority as the fire pushes through steep terrain that is difficult for firefighters to access on foot. Limited visibility has grounded some aerial support, though a helicopter was able to drop thousands of gallons of water on the fire Tuesday afternoon.
Rain in the forecast is expected to help slow fire activity.
“It’s going to give us a break in fire behavior, but it’s not going to be the end of the incident,” LeFevre said. Asked whether the fire could continue burning into fall, he replied: “We hope not.”
The fire has already prompted the evacuation of 30 homes, with another 30 under potential evacuation orders. Popular trails and campgrounds in Olympic National Park near Lake Cushman have also been closed. Upthegrove noted that boating on the lake has been suspended and described the burning trees along its shores as “heartbreaking.”
