Despite the rain and cooler temperatures, the risk of brush fires remains very high in the region. Lightning in the forecast is raising concern for firefighters who have been battling flames throughout the summer.
There is an active Stage 2 Burn Ban in Pierce County, where Fire Marshal Ken Rice said the change in weather is not enough to reduce brush fire danger.
"Don't get comfortable because it's cooler. The fire danger still exists," said Bill Sandlian, assistant chief with East Pierce Fire & Rescue.
For some fire agencies in Pierce County, this has been one of their busiest brush fire seasons. East Pierce Fire & Rescue has responded to 72 brush fires this summer. Even with cooler temperatures and rain, Sandlian said his crews don’t expect to catch a break.