Firefighting crews at North Cascades National Park Complex have already dealt with the first wildfire of the season.

The small fire in the Agnes Creek drainage near Stehekin was reported Wednesday morning and quickly extinguished by park crews. The human caused wildfire, named the Agnes Boundary Fire, was 100 feet by 25 feet and located just off the Agnes Creek Trail, which is also the Pacific Crest Trail, said a park news release.

Here is the rest of the release:

“The third of June is pretty early for fire season to begin,” explained North Cascades National Park Complex acting fire management officer Andris Vezis. “But, not surprising given the rapid increase in temperatures east of the Cascades over the past couple of weeks.”

Firefighters are continuing restoration efforts in the area through the week.

Stehekin is expected to be a hotspot for wildfire activity in 2009, according to the May National Wildland Significant Fire Potential Outlook released by the Predictive Services group at the National Interagency Fire Center.

The monthly outlook considers the condition of wildland fuels, weather forecasts, and climate and drought data. North-central Washington is expected to see above normal potential wildfire activity, based on persistent drought conditions.

“Overall, the areas with the greatest fire potential this summer are Arizona, New Mexico, California and north-central Washington,” said Rick Ochoa, fire weather program manager at the center. The June outlook continues to warn that “significant fire potential is forecast to be above normal through September in north-central Washington.”

To view the monthly assessments click here.