Governor Bob Ferguson (D-WA) declared a state of emergency on Saturday as wildfires spread across Washington state, with more than 1,000 fires burning approximately 425,000 acres—the highest total since 2021. The declaration comes as drought conditions, high temperatures, and high winds exacerbate the crisis, prompting evacuations in Spokane County and surrounding areas.
The emergency proclamation includes a statewide ban on most outdoor and agricultural burning through September 30, restricting activities such as yard debris burning, land clearing, and campfires not contained in fire rings. The ban does not prohibit liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves over non-flammable surfaces if kept at least five feet from flammable vegetation. Agricultural burning with proper permits and campfires in designated fire rings at parks remain permitted.
Evacuations and Fire Spread
Evacuation warnings were issued in western Spokane County as the Old Trails Fire rapidly expanded, with Level 3 “Go Now” orders affecting multiple neighborhoods. The National Weather Service classified the risk as a “particularly dangerous situation”, issuing a Red Flag Alert for Eastern Washington. Currently, 12 large fires are burning across more than 200,000 acres, with firefighters stretched thin amid worsening conditions.
State Resources and Federal Assistance
The emergency declaration allows Washington to access additional resources through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a nationwide mutual aid system. On Friday, Ferguson deployed 110 members of the Washington National Guard to support firefighting efforts, supplementing 27 helicopter crews already deployed across the state. Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that 2024 has already been one of the busiest wildfire years on record despite the season being only partially through.
Drought and Long-Term Context
Washington is experiencing its fourth consecutive statewide drought, with officials warning that any new spark could ignite another devastating wildfire given the tinder-dry conditions. The state has seen record-setting wildfire activity, with 2021 previously holding the most acres burned in recent years. The emergency measures aim to mitigate further damage as forecasts predict continued high temperatures and winds through the summer.
Officials urged residents to avoid outdoor burning and report any signs of fire immediately to prevent additional destruction.