WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Many of the wildfires burning here in the Pacific Northwest will likely last into the fall.

That’s according to the U.S. Forest Service, which says the fires won’t stop until the region sees significant rain or snow.

Firefighters are currently focused on preparing a network of containment lines to stop the fires from spreading to critical areas like communities, powerlines and water supply systems.

The Forest Service says the steep, remote locations of most of the fires has made it hard for firefighters to access and pose safety risks with rolling rocks and logs.

All five wildfires burning along the Cascades, including the Easy Fire, aren’t expected to be fully contained until October.