Governor bans most outdoor burning due to wildfire threats
This year, more than 1,000 fires have burned over 400,000 acres, officials say.
OLYMPIA — Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency Saturday and imposed a statewide ban through September on most outdoor burning due to continued risks of wildland fires across Washington.
“Our record-setting drought and high winds are creating dangerous conditions across the state,” Ferguson said in a press statement. “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.”
Officials say Washington is in the midst of a record-setting fourth consecutive statewide drought. This year, more than 1,000 fires have burned approximately 425,000 acres — the most since 2021, according to the Department of Natural Resources.
Currently, there are 14 major wildfires which have burned a collective total of 300,129 acres, with the largest blazes located in north-central and eastern Washington, according to the InciWeb interagency information system. In Okanogan and Ferry counties, the Kaiser Canyon and Modrite fires are estimated at 134,167 acres and 49,895 acres respectively while the Little Giant Fire in Chelan County near Entiat is estimated at 31,529 acres.
On Saturday, driven by winds gusting upward of 35 mph, the Autumn Lane, Fairview, and Old Trails fires in Spokane County spurred mandatory evacuations for thousands of residents and have reportedly damaged hundreds of structures. As of Sunday morning, the fires had burned an estimated 5,400 acres in the greater Spokane area.
A day earlier, the National Weather Service issued a “Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag Warning” for Saturday afternoon and evening across central and eastern Washington and Oregon.
The rare designation is reserved for fire-and-weather conditions which pose significant danger to public safety, firefighters, and communities due to a combination of hot temperatures, low humidity, extremely dry conditions and sustained gusty winds.
“This year has already been one of our busiest wildfire years on record, and we just started August,” said Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove. “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.”
Ferguson’s emergency proclamation establishes a statewide ban on outdoor burning, including yard debris, 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 5 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 illegal 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. Citizens are advised to check local restrictions before burning during the summer months.
Grant County, which has already experienced several wildfires that spurred evacuations and property losses this summer, annually imposes a similar ban on most outdoor burning in unincorporated areas from June 1 to Sept. 30.
On Friday, Ferguson also 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 emergency proclamation also authorizes additional National Guard activation as needed at the discretion of Washington’s Adjutant General.
The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office has 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 is staging in Kittitas County this weekend to prepare to respond to any new fires.
Washington State Fire Marshal tips to prevent wildfires
— 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.
