Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency on Saturday in response to record-setting wildfires fueled by drought conditions, unusually high temperatures, and high winds, according to the Columbian. The emergency declaration includes a statewide ban on most outdoor and agricultural burning through September 30.
Statewide Emergency Declared as Wildfires Spread Across Washington
The National Weather Service issued an unprecedented Particularly Dangerous Situation
Red Flag Alert for Saturday across Eastern Washington, representing a level above a standard red flag warning. Public officials noted that weather conditions would cause any new fires to spread and grow out of control rapidly.
Our record-setting drought and high winds are creating dangerous conditions across the state,
Ferguson said in a statement reported by Komonews. I am declaring an emergency to help prevent loss of life and property damage. I encourage all Washingtonians to do their part to protect our state during these extreme conditions.
Spokane-Area Threats and Evacuations
Fast-moving fires burning near Spokane threatened neighborhoods within the city limits on Saturday. The rapidly spreading Old Trails Fire prompted the issuance of multiple Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation warnings for neighborhoods in the western part of Spokane, according to the Spokane County Evacuation Map and local station KHQ, as cited by the washingtonexaminer.com.
Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove joined Ferguson at a public briefing to discuss the state’s response and urge residents to stay informed about rapidly changing conditions and evacuation orders.
Our firefighters are already stretched thin across the state, and with more heat and wind expected this weekend and for the rest of the summer, any new spark on our tinder dry landscapes can lead to another devastating wildfire,
Upthegrove said, according to KHQ. I’m urging all Washingtonians to not be that spark.
Washington is currently experiencing its fourth consecutive statewide drought, which officials described as record-setting. Data from the Washington Department of Natural Resources indicates that more than 1,000 fires have burned approximately 425,000 acres this year, marking the highest acreage burned in the state since 2021. More than 200,000 acres are actively burning across 12 large fires.
Major Fires and Resource Deployments
State officials detailed several large active fires currently demanding firefighting resources across the region: * Kaiser Canyon Fire: 134,167 acres in Okanogan and Lincoln counties * Modrite Fire: 40,625 acres in Ferry County * Sinlahekin Fire: 31,887 acres in Okanogan County * Little Giant Fire: 28,393 acres in Chelan County
Additionally, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest issued an emergency closure order for Forest Service Road 4710 due to the Skyo Fire burning east of Randle, which was reported on July 22 following a lightning storm.
To bolster response efforts, Ferguson activated 110 members of the Washington National Guard on Friday to support firefighters across the state, supplementing 27 helicopter crew members previously activated in July. Saturday’s emergency proclamation authorizes Washington’s Adjutant General to approve additional National Guard activations as needed.
The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office mobilized 13 task forces. Eight task forces were assigned to the Sinlahekin Fire in Okanogan County, five were sent to the Bradeen Hill Fire in Stevens County, three strike teams were deployed to the Kaiser Canyon Fire and the Little Giant Fire, and another task force was staged in Kittitas County.
Prohibitions and Public Safety Guidance
The statewide burn ban covers yard debris burning, trash disposal, land clearing, weed abatement, bonfires, and campfires that are not contained within structures such as fire rings or fire pits. Gas-fueled stoves and grills operated over non-flammable surfaces are exempt from the restriction.
