Dave Upthegrove
ON THE RECORD · 5 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“There are fewer teams, which was true in 2025 as well,”
Dave Upthegrove · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19
Upthegrove noted the reduction in incident management teams compared to previous years.
“The difference this year is the extreme weather conditions, dangerously high winds at times, very dry fuels and a fourth year of drought. All of that has combined to make us highly vulnerable to large and catastrophic fires like we have seen throughout the state, especially in Spokane.”
Dave Upthegrove · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19
Upthegrove described how extreme weather and drought have heightened wildfire vulnerability in Washington.
“Our firefighters are already stretched thin across the state, and with more heat and wind expected this weekend and for the rest of the summer, any new spark on our tinder dry landscapes can lead to another devastating wildfire.”
Dave Upthegrove · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-03
Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove said in a written statement that firefighters are stretched thin and any new spark could lead to another devastating wildfire.
“I'm urging all Washingtonians to not be that spark.”
Dave Upthegrove · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-03
Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove urged all Washingtonians to not be the spark that starts another wildfire.
“Don't start the next fire.”
Dave Upthegrove · said 2026-08-01 · reported 2026-08-01
Upthegrove emphasized the importance of preventing additional fires during a briefing on the state's wildfire response.