Series of brush fires in area bring renewed warning about dry conditions, precautions

TACOMA -- Officials worry that a series of brush fires during Tuesday morning's commute could be an ominous sign and they issued a new warning about the dangerous conditions.

Deputy Fire Marshal Guy Overby of Central Pierce Fire & Rescue said, "The vegetation in this area hasn’t been this dry in recent memory."

Two brush fires kept crews busy during the morning commute Tuesday. One fire scorched the ground near Fife and another one consumed grass near the King and Pierce County border.

Overby said, "When we think of wildfires, Eastern Washington is what comes to mind but the potential right here in Pierce County and in Puyallup, it exists."

Overby warns smokers to keep their cigarette butts in the car and use their ash trays. Violators caught littering face a fine of $1,025.

Officials also worry about the upcoming Fourth of July holiday and fireworks. Crews battled hundreds of fires statewide last year and conditions appear worse now than ever before.

"We want everyone to enjoy the Fourth, but we just want them to have a safe Fourth. The potential right now for a large loss exists," Overby warned.