Spring dry spell approaching record in Seattle, fire danger increases in western Wash.

Spring dry spell approaching record in Seattle

SEATTLE — A near-record spring dry spell in Seattle is boosting the threat of wildfires in western Washington state.

Tuesday was the 28th day without measurable rainfall at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The National Weather Service says that’s one day short of the springtime record set in 1982.

A day without measurable rain Wednesday would tie the record of 51 days set in 1951.

There was only a slight chance of light showers in the area Wednesday.

Citing the danger of July Fourth fireworks, land managers and fire officials have boosted efforts to get rural residents west of the Cascade Range to clear brush near their homes.