Gov. Bob Ferguson Declares Statewide Emergency as Wildfires Spread

Washington State is confronting a volatile weekend as fast-moving fires threaten neighborhoods near Spokane. Driven by dry landscapes and elevated winds, multiple blazes have prompted local evacuations and drawn a massive state response. Governor Ferguson was joined by Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove and emergency management officials to brief the public on the crisis, urging residents to stay informed as conditions shift.

Emergency Proclamation and Statewide Burn Ban

The emergency declaration unlocks vital mutual aid systems. It allows Washington to access additional firefighting resources through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact and authorizes further National Guard activations. Ferguson activated 110 Washington National Guard members on July 31, supplementing 27 previously activated helicopter crew members.

To prevent additional ignitions, the state instituted a strict prohibition on most outdoor and agricultural burning through September 30. The ban outlaws yard debris burning, trash disposal, land clearing, weed abatement, bonfires, and campfires not contained within approved fire pits or rings. Consumer fireworks also remain illegal to sell or discharge outside of licensed displays.

State officials outlined specific exemptions to the emergency restrictions. The ban does not target liquid- or gas-fueled stoves or grills used on nonflammable surfaces positioned at least five feet away from vegetation. Permitted agricultural or silvicultural burns and campfires in approved private, state, county, or municipal campgrounds remain permissible, though the proclamation does not override stricter local or Department of Natural Resources rules.

Severe Weather Threats Across Eastern Washington

Officials stressed that the state is enduring its fourth consecutive statewide drought, which has severely depleted moisture levels in vegetation. Commissioner Upthegrove delivered a direct message to residents regarding human-caused ignitions, telling the public, Don’t start the next fire.

Active Blazes and Firefighting Deployment

According to the Washington Department of Natural Resources, more than 1,000 fires have consumed roughly 425,000 acres this year, marking the highest acreage burned since 2021. Currently, more than 200,000 acres are actively burning across 12 large fires.

Among the most significant incidents, the Modrite Fire has charred 40,625 acres and stands at 22% containment, with three helicopters assigned to the site for the past three weeks. Meanwhile, the Little Giant Fire has expanded to 28,393 acres in Chelan County.

The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office has deployed substantial operational muscle to contain the spread. Thirteen task forces have been mobilized, including eight assigned to the Sinlahekin Fire in Okanogan County and five directed toward the Bradeen Hill Fire in Stevens County. Additionally, three strike teams are operating at the Kaiser Canyon Fire in Okanogan County and the Little Giant Fire, while another task force remains staged in Kittitas County.