Wildfires in Urban Areas Are More Common. That May Have Helped Spokane

Cool Critters: They survived asteroids, but Spokane’s wildfires may put this common, showy dragonfly in distress

Dragonflies are true survivors, predating birds by millions of years and outlasting dinosaurs. The Spokane area, with its clean rivers, ponds and creeks, is loaded with them this time of year. Glittery and whimsical as flying costume jewelry, the common whitetail dragonfly (Phathemis lydia) is particularly a familiar sight in our airspace.

Wildfires in urban areas are more common. That may have helped Spokane

As emergency responders in Spokane, Wash., take stock of the damage from devastating wildfires, there's a prevailing sense the disaster could have been far worse.

Spokane Shows What the New Era of Wildfires Looks Like

With rising temperatures and drier conditions, fires are more likely to explode. And with more people living next to forests, the results can be catastrophic.