Forest Service outlines hot, dry summer outlook

Payette National Forest officials briefed the Washington County Board of Commissioners on May 18, warning that the coming fire season is shaping up to be hot, dry, and resource strained across the region.

 District Ranger Paul Klasner introduced Patrick Schon, West Zone Fire Management Officer, who presented the annual fire outlook and staffing update. Schon said the forest is tracking closely with last year’s pattern – early snowmelt, below average precipitation, and rising temperatures heading into June.