Authorities have warned for years about the risk of catastrophic wildfire in the forests west of Yakima, a risk that’s expected to worsen over time.

Last fall, the Norse Peak Fire in the Naches Ranger District burned more than 55,000 acres. Now, the 700-acre Miriam Fire is burning uncontained near White Pass.

For the better part of a century, fires have been quickly suppressed, leading to debris build-up on the forest floor. When ignited, it burns faster and hotter than in forests with little debris.

Warm weather starting earlier and lasting longer each year allowed insects to thrive and kill off trees, leaving stands of dead timber that enhance fire danger.

According to a 2013 state study, more than 200 areas in Washington are at high or extreme risk for catastrophic fires.

“A high percentage of the Naches Ranger District is in a condition that puts it at risk for larger fires,” Naches Ranger District fuel specialist Jason Emhoff said.

Efforts at reducing the fire danger with logging or controlled fires called prescribed burns have been unable to keep up with the growing threat.

The Forest Service planned to burn about 1,400 acres on the Naches Ranger District.

Emhoff said most of the 1,400 acres have been burned. What remains may not be addressed this year, but even if all the planned burns are conducted, it won’t be enough, he said.