Weather is playing a crucial role in the effort to fight two wildfires burning in Central Washington.
Near Grand Coulee, the 230 Yard Fire has burned about 500 acres and is 40 percent contained. The Elmer Fire is also burning near Elmer City. That fire is 10 percent contained and has burned 5,500 acres.
Fire crews said these fires are a reminder that fire season can sometimes last as late as November. Still, many people were taken by total shock when these fires happened.
While it is somewhat rare to have two fires happen so late in the summer, firefighters said it is definitely not unheard of. Temperatures are still somewhat warm in September and brush is still very dry. With that in mind, authorities said even more fires could pop up these next few weeks. At this stage, the only that that could stop future fires are freezing overnight temperatures.
Cooler weather moved in Monday day night. As a result, firefighters expect to make huge progress these next few days.