Ferguson Declares Washington Wildfire Emergency and Burn Ban

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide wildfire emergency Saturday as extreme fire weather threatened to worsen a season that has already burned approximately 425,000 acres across Washington.

The emergency proclamation prohibits most outdoor burning statewide through Sept. 30. It also gives Washington access to additional firefighting resources and authorizes the activation of more Washington National Guard members as needed.

“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.”

The declaration came as the National Weather Service issued an unusually severe “particularly dangerous situation” Red Flag Warning for Eastern Washington. Forecasters rated Saturday’s fire-weather risk as extreme because of high winds, dry vegetation and unusually warm conditions.

“Our record-setting drought and high winds are creating dangerous conditions across the state,”

GOV BOB FERGUSON

More Than 1,000 Wildfires Reported This Year

Washington is experiencing its fourth consecutive statewide drought. More than 1,000 wildfires have burned about 425,000 acres this year, the largest area burned in the state since 2021, according to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.

Approximately 200,000 acres were actively burning across 12 large fires when Ferguson issued the proclamation.

“This year has already been one of our busiest wildfire years on record, and we just started August,” Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove said. “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. I’m urging all Washingtonians to not be that spark.”

The statewide emergency follows destructive fire growth in Eastern Washington and continuing wildfires in remote areas of eastern Whatcom County. The Border 2 and Luna fires remain active near Ross Lake in North Cascades National Park.

What Washington’s Statewide Burn Ban Prohibits

The statewide burn ban prohibits outdoor burning that includes:

• Yard debris burning
• Trash burning
• Land-clearing fires
• Burning for weed abatement
• Bonfires
• Campfires outside approved structures such as established fire rings or fire pits

The proclamation does not prohibit liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves and grills when people operate them over nonflammable surfaces and at least 5 feet from flammable vegetation.

Agricultural and silvicultural burning may continue with the required permits. The order also allows campfires on private property and at state, county and municipal parks or campgrounds when contained within approved fire rings or fire pits.

However, those exemptions do not override stricter restrictions imposed by counties, cities, fire districts, parks or DNR. Residents and visitors must check local rules before lighting any fire. A local ban may prohibit fires that the statewide order would otherwise allow.

The sale or discharge of consumer fireworks is also unlawful during the emergency, except for licensed fireworks displays.

The proclamation remains effective through Sept. 30 unless Ferguson ends or extends it.

National Guard and Fire Crews Mobilized

Ferguson activated 110 Washington National Guard members Friday to support firefighting operations. They joined 27 helicopter crew members activated earlier in July.

The emergency proclamation allows Washington’s adjutant general to activate additional Guard members as conditions require. It also allows the state to obtain outside resources through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a nationwide mutual-aid system.

The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office has mobilized 13 task forces. Eight were assigned to the Sinlahekin Fire in Okanogan County, while five were fighting the Bradeen Hill Fire in Stevens County.

Three strike teams were also deployed to the Kaiser Canyon Fire in Okanogan County and Little Giant Fire in Chelan County. An additional task force staged in Kittitas County Saturday to prepare for new fire starts.

Officials Warn Against Sparks Near Dry Vegetation

The State Fire Marshal’s Office urged people to avoid activities that could ignite dry grass or brush, including open flames and equipment capable of producing sparks or embers.

Drivers should inspect trailers and vehicles before traveling. Dragging safety chains, loose vehicle components and mechanical failures can throw sparks onto roadside vegetation.

Officials also warned people to extinguish smoking materials completely and place them in appropriate containers. Cigarettes should never be discarded along roads, trails or vegetated areas.

Stage 2 Burn Ban Covers Whatcom County

The Whatcom County Fire Marshal has enacted a Stage 2 burn ban across the county. The ban aligns with the statewide burn ban Gov. Bob Ferguson ordered Saturday amid a record-setting drought, in effect through Sept. 30.

The ban prohibits all open burning, including recreational fires and wood-burning fire pits. People may use liquid-fueled or propane stoves when they follow safety requirements.

The National Park Service has also prohibited campfires and the use of wood, charcoal briquettes or similar fuels throughout the North Cascades National Park Service Complex.

Gas and propane stoves, grills and lanterns remain permitted when used safely.

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