Governor Bob Ferguson Declares Statewide State of Emergency and Burn Ban in Washington Due to Record-Setting Wildfires
Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide state of emergency in Washington to address record-setting wildfires exacerbated by severe drought, high temperatures, and high winds. The proclamation includes a statewide burn ban effective through September 30, 2026, prohibiting outdoor burning such as yard debris, trash disposal, and bonfires. While the ban allows for liquid- or gas-fueled stoves and permitted agricultural burning, officials urge residents to prevent further ignitions by avoiding open flames and properly extinguishing smoking materials. The emergency comes as the National Weather Service issues a "particularly dangerous situation" Red Flag Alert for Eastern Washington. Simultaneously, Oregon wildfires continue to burn east of the Cascades, where over 2 million acres have burned this year. In Jefferson County, the Round Butte Fire has triggered Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders. To assist with firefighting efforts, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized a Fire Management Assistance Grant to cover up to 75 percent of eligible costs for the Rowe Creek Complex - West Zone Fire.