Governor Ferguson announces federal emergency declaration for devastating wildfires
Declaration unlocks assistance for six counties and three Tribal nations to respond to fires
OLYMPIA – Governor Bob Ferguson announced today that the federal government has granted his request for an emergency declaration for the devastating wildfires burning in Eastern Washington. The declaration allows our federal partners to mobilize their resources and personnel to support our response, and unlocks resources for state, local and tribal governments.
The declaration covers Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens and Yakima counties, as well as the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Spokane Tribe of Indians.
It unlocks help for local governments with costs for evacuating and providing emergency shelters for people who are displaced by the wildfires. It also provides assistance for emergency food and water, search and rescue operations and more.
The Governor’s request was granted in full with the exception of debris removal.
“I appreciate the federal government moving quickly and granting our request for this emergency declaration,” Governor Ferguson said. “We are laser-focused on getting assistance to those Washingtonians who have lost so much.”
The emergency declaration provides help through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for local agencies and governments while they continue to fight the fires.
Ferguson is already preparing a request for a Major Disaster Declaration, which is the process that unlocks individual assistance to support individuals recovering from a disaster, as well as public assistance to provide funding for repairs of state infrastructure.
Ferguson sought and obtained a Major Disaster Declaration following our historic flooding in December. Typically, that request comes after detailed damage assessments are completed, in partnership with local authorities and FEMA.
National Guard Deployment & Other Actions
On Friday, July 31, Governor Ferguson activated 110 members of the Washington National Guard to support firefighting operations across the state, supplementing the 27 helicopter crew members activated earlier in July.
The Washington Military Department’s Emergency Management Division continues to coordinate the statewide response from the State Emergency Operations Center, working alongside local, tribal, state and federal partners to ensure affected communities receive the resources and support they need.
The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office has also 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. An additional task force staged in Kittitas County over the weekend to prepare to respond to any new fires.
Governor’s Emergency Declaration & Statewide Burn Ban
On Saturday morning, Governor Ferguson declared a statewide state of emergency due to our drought conditions, unusually high temperatures and high winds all exacerbating our record-setting wildfires. The declaration includes a statewide prohibition on most outdoor and agricultural burning through September 30, 2026.
The emergency proclamation went into effect ahead of an unprecedented “particularly dangerous situation” Red Flag Alert by the National Weather Service, rating the weather risk today as “extreme” across Eastern Washington.
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 five 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 currently unlawful to sell or discharge consumer fireworks, outside of licensed fireworks displays.
The Governor’s burn ban does not supersede more restrictive bans issued by local governments or the Department of Natural Resources. Always check local restrictions before burning during the summer months.
Washington State Fire Marshal tips to prevent wildfires
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.
Check your vehicle before you travel. Improperly secured trailer safety chains, dragging vehicle components, and mechanical failures pose significant 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.
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