OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Following the state’s recent emergency drought declaration, other state agencies are keeping an eagle eye on the upcoming wildfire season.

Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz told FOX 13 that this summer is shaping up to be another long and dry season.

My Bellingham Now previously reported that the combination of low snowpack and precipitation led to the state’s drought declaration earlier this week. The state Dept of Ecology previously issued drought alerts last July. With an earlier drought warning and the effects of this year’s El Nino weather patterns, both the state Dept of Natural Resources (DNR) and Dept of Ecology are making preparations for wildfire season their main priority.

Earlier this month, multiple state and federal agencies partnered up to prevent more wildfires. Their plan involves more prescribed burns with both federal firefighting agencies and Oregon fire crews.