Statewide emergency declared as Washington bans most outdoor burning amid wildfire threat

Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency Saturday in response to drought conditions, unusually high temperatures, high winds and record-setting wildfires, while issuing a statewide prohibition on most outdoor and agricultural burning through Sept. 30. WATCH: Gov. Ferguson gives a briefing on the state’s efforts to contain the Spokane wildfires ALSO SEE | Cooler weather, showers arrive for Seafair weekend as fire danger grows in eastern WA The emergency proclamation comes ahead of what the National Weather Service described as an unprecedented "particularly dangerous situation" Red Flag Alert, with an "extreme" wildfire weather risk forecast across Eastern Washington. "Our record-setting drought and high winds are creating dangerous conditions across the state," Ferguson said in a statement. "I am declaring an emergency to help prevent loss of life and property damage." Washington is experiencing its fourth consecutive statewide drought, which officials described as record-setting. Gov. Bob Ferguson briefed the public on Washington's response to multiple fast-moving wildfires burning near Spokane as officials warned residents that dangerous fire conditions are expected to continue into the evening. Driven by high winds and dry landscapes, several fires broke out on the outskirts of Spokane and are threatening neighborhoods within the city, according to state officials. Ferguson was joined at the briefing by Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove and emergency management officials, who discussed the state's wildfire response and urged residents to stay informed about rapidly changing conditions, including evacuation orders. Upthegrove emphasized the importance of preventing additional fires, telling residents, "Don't start the next fire." Officials directed residents to rely on official sources for the latest information on wildfire response efforts, local evacuations and changing conditions as the fires continue to grow. Among the state's largest fires, the Modrite Fire has burned 40,625 acres and is 22% contained. Officials said three helicopters have been assigned to the fire for the past three weeks. The Little Giant Fire has grown to 28,393 acres, according to an update issued about four hours before the briefing. Officials said elevated winds are expected to persist into the evening, creating volatile wildfire conditions across the region and increasing the potential for additional fire growth. According to the Washington Department of Natural Resources, more than 1,000 fires have burned about 425,000 acres this year, the highest acreage burned since 2021. More than 200,000 acres are currently burning in 12 large fires. The statewide burn ban prohibits activities including yard debris burning, trash disposal, land clearing, weed abatement, bonfires and campfires not contained in fire rings or fire pits. The ban does not apply to liquid- or gas-fueled stoves or grills used on nonflammable surfaces at least five feet from vegetation, permitted agricultural or silvicultural burns, or campfires contained in approved fire rings or fire pits on private property and at state, county and municipal parks and campgrounds. Officials noted the statewide ban does not override stricter local or Department of Natural Resources restrictions. Consumer fireworks also remain unlawful to sell or discharge outside licensed displays. The proclamation also allows Washington to access additional firefighting resources through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a nationwide mutual aid system, and authorizes additional National Guard activations as needed. Ferguson activated 110 Washington National Guard members on July 31 to support firefighting efforts, adding to 27 helicopter crew members previously activated. The Washington State Fire Marshal's Office has mobilized 13 task forces, including eight assigned to the Sinlahekin Fire in Okanogan County and five to the Bradeen Hill Fire in Stevens County. Three strike teams have also been deployed to the Kaiser Canyon Fire in Okanogan County and the Little Giant Fire in Chelan County, while another task force is staged in Kittitas County. State Fire Marshal officials urged residents to avoid activities that could ignite dry vegetation, inspect vehicles for fire hazards such as dragging trailer chains, and properly extinguish and dispose of smoking materials.