Spokane County, Washington

- Hot weather, dry conditions and strong winds create perfect conditions for wildfires. Fire officials warn the Inland Northwest may see many dangerous days over the next couple of months.

The National Interagency Fire Center predicts above-normal wildfire potential for the region from now until October.

"We're about three weeks ahead of schedule going into high fire danger, which we're at already. Usually we don't get there till later in July," said Ryan Baldwin, training captain for Spokane County Fire District 3.

The risk is especially high where homes and natural areas sit next to each other.

"You have a fire that starts with a certain amount of risk in the wildland, but the risk increases exponentially and very rapidly as it moves closer to these homes, because wildland fire doesn't just threaten one home, it threatens a whole neighborhood," said Jeff Smetzler of the Spokane Valley Fire Department.

Firefighters must stay alert as conditions change quickly.

"We have to constantly be aware of where the fire is and where it's going. It's very dynamic," Baldwin said.

Fire departments prepare all year for fire season. Spokane County Fire District 3 brings in seasonal firefighters every summer.

"We prep everybody on fire behavior, fire weather, along with firefighting tactics specifically with the wildland aspect," said Deven Helsing, a seasonal wildland firefighter.

The extra help is needed when big fires strike.

"When we have a big wildland fire, it drains the entire district, so the more people we have, the better," Baldwin said.

Spokane Valley Fire Department added another brush truck this year.

"One of the benefits of that is it allows more crews to get there quicker. We don't have to wait for other outside resources to assist us," Smetzler said.

Firefighters say residents can help by:

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