SEATTLE — 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.
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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.
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.
