Governor Declares Statewide Wildfire Emergency, Issues Statewide Burn Ban

Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency on Aug. 1 due to drought conditions, unusually high temperatures, and high winds all “exacerbating our record-setting wildfires.” The declaration included a statewide prohibition on most outdoor and agricultural burning through Sept. 30. According to the governor’s office, the emergency proclamation went into effect ahead of a “particularly dangerous situation” red flag alert by the National Weather Service, rating the weather risk as “extreme” across eastern Washington over the weekend.

“Our record-setting drought and high winds are creating dangerous conditions across the state,” Ferguson said. “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.” Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove said, “This year has already been one of our busiest wildfire years on record, and we just started August. 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.”

He added, “I’m urging all Washingtonians to not be that spark.” Washington is in the midst of a record-setting, fourth-consecutive statewide drought. More than 1,000 fires have burned approximately 425,000 acres – the most acres burned since 2021, according to the Department of Natural Resources. The declaration stated that more than 200,000 acres are burning in 12 large fires, as of Aug. 1. The governor’s emergency proclamation establishes a statewide ban on outdoor burning, including but not limited to: yard debris burning; trash disposal; land clearing; weed abatement; bonfires; and campfires not contained in structures such as fire rings.

The ban does not prohibit liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves or grills over non-flammable surfaces and at least 5 feet from flammable vegetation; agricultural or silvicultural burning with appropriate fire permits; or campfires on private property or at state, county and municipal parks, and campgrounds that are contained in structures such as fire rings or fire pits. It is unlawful to sell or discharge consumer fireworks, outside of licensed fireworks displays, according to the governor’s office.

The governor’s burn ban does not supersede more restrictive bans issued by local governments or the Department of Natural Resources. The declaration said Washingtonians must always check local restrictions before burning during the summer months. The proclamation also allows Washington state to access additional resources through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a nationwide mutual aid system. Ferguson activated 110 members of the Washington National Guard to support firefighting operations across the state on July 31, supplementing the 27 helicopter crew members activated earlier in July.

The emergency proclamation authorized additional National Guard activation as needed, at the discretion of Washington’s Adjutant General. The declaration also stated that the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office has mobilized 13 task forces: eight are fighting the Sinlahekin Fire in Okanogan County, and five are fighting the Bradeen Hill Fire in Stevens County. Task forces include wildland fire engines, water tenders, each with about 15 personnel, including a task force leader. Three strike teams, which each include five wildland fire engines and a strike team leader, have also been mobilized to assist on the Kaiser Canyon Fire in Okanogan County, and the Little Giant Fire in Chelan County.

The Washington State Fire Marshal urges Washingtonians to refrain from any activity that may ignite dry vegetation, including the use of open flames, outdoor burning, or equipment capable of producing sparks or embers. The agency suggested checking vehicles before travel; improperly secured trailer safety chains, dragging vehicle components, and mechanical failures can pose wildfire ignition risk. Smoking materials should be fully extinguished and disposed of in appropriate receptacles and should never be discarded onto roadways, trails, or vegetated areas, according to the agency