SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. - Fire crews contained a 1-acre fire near the Pond Loop Trail in Dishman Hills Natural Area early Friday morning, which serves as an early reminder that fire season is approaching in the Inland Northwest.

The National Interagency Fire Center says the region has above normal fire potential for June, meaning fire season conditions will start earlier.

For residents living near Dishman Hills, the fire brought wildfire risks close to home.

"This morning I took my dog out about 6 and I saw a fire truck here and a brush truck here, and I smelled smoke," said Helge Spatz, who lives near the natural area. "Well it's scary to me because that's my only house and I don't want to lose it."

Rebecca Patrick, another nearby resident, didn't know about the fire until later.

"I h

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