DNR firefighter injured while battling Washington wildfires

SEATTLE - At least one firefighter with the Department of Natural Resources has been injured while battling the Koffman Road Fire in Kittitas County on Sunday. 

Hilary Franz, the Commissioner of Public Lands, confirmed to Q13 News that the firefighter is "severely" injured, but they do not have life-threatening injuries. 

Out of respect for the privacy of the firefighter and their family, DNR is not releasing the identity of the firefighter.

"Please, do not start these fires. Not only because of you and your family and friends, but because of our firefighters… I am urging everybody to please do their part to keep you and your family and your neighbors and your community safe, and do your part for the firefighters who are putting their lives on the line for us," Franz said. 

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Franz said already the number of wildfires across the state is up from this time last year, and that more catastrophic wildfires are likely.

Although we've seen record heat waves in the last week, Franz said the state has been well into fire season long before the heat wave even hit. 

To date, there have been 550 wildfires, Franz said. Over the last weekend, there have been 40 of those fires.

Franz said 80% of these fires are caused by humans.

The Koffman Road Fire started on June 27 and burned 425 acres of grass and brush. It was contained several hours later that day. Crews remain on scene mopping up.

The cause of the Koffman Road Fire is under investigation.

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