Earlier this month I wrote about the importance of apples to our state economy and the impacts that the weather can have. Wildfires are a risk too. The Wenatchee World reports that the Chelan Complex fire has “destroyed an estimated $30 million in Chelan County property.” That includes the loss of a Chelan Fruit warehouse, and there are tax implications for the county.

[Chelan County Assessor Deana] Walter estimates Chelan Fruit lost 50 percent of its taxable value to the fire, which torched about 240,000 square feet of warehouse and storage space and an estimated 1.8 million pounds of packed fruit.

In a natural disaster like this, the tax burden of destroyed properties is redistributed, Walter said — meaning taxpayer bills next year may change to meet the already budgeted needs of Chelan-area taxing districts, such as the schools and hospital.

“In ‘16 taxes, we’re going to feel this,” Walter said.

The state Department of Revenue has said that it “will work with businesses in any county that cannot file or pay their taxes on time because of the wildfires. Homeowners may also qualify for property tax relief through their county assessor’s office.”

Also, here’s a good Seattle Times story on how “well-irrigated Okanogan County fruit orchards served as natural fire breaks.”