The federal government has approved Washington's request for an emergency declaration, unlocking federal assistance to help state, local and tribal governments
The federal government has approved Washington's request for an emergency declaration, unlocking federal assistance to help state, local and tribal governments respond to the devastating wildfires burning across eastern Washington, Gov. Bob Ferguson's office announced Tuesday.
The declaration covers Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens and Yakima counties, along with the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and the Spokane Tribe of Indians.
According to the governor's office, the declaration allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide support for emergency response efforts, including evacuations, emergency shelters, food and water, search and rescue operations, and other response costs.
Ferguson's request was approved in full except for debris removal assistance.
The governor's office said Ferguson is already preparing a request for a federal Major Disaster Declaration. If approved, that declaration could provide financial assistance for individuals recovering from the fires as well as funding to repair damaged public infrastructure.
On July 31, Ferguson activated 110 members of the Washington National Guard to support firefighting efforts statewide, adding to 27 helicopter crew members that had already been deployed earlier in July.
The Washington Military Department's Emergency Management Division continues coordinating the statewide response from the State Emergency Operations Center alongside local, tribal, state and federal partners.
The Washington State Fire Marshal's Office has also mobilized firefighting resources across the state.
Eight task forces are assigned to the Sinlahekin Fire in Okanogan County, five are battling the Bradeen Hill Fire in Stevens County, and three strike teams have been sent to the Kaiser Canyon Fire in Okanogan County and the Little Giant Fire in Chelan County. Another task force remains staged in Kittitas County to respond to any new fires.
The federal declaration comes days after Ferguson declared a statewide emergency because of drought conditions, unusually high temperatures and strong winds that have fueled what his office described as record-setting wildfires.
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That emergency declaration also established a statewide ban on most outdoor and agricultural burning through Sept. 30. The ban includes yard debris burning, trash burning, land clearing, weed abatement, bonfires and campfires that are not contained in structures such as fire rings.
The governor's office said the burn ban does not apply to gas- or liquid-fueled stoves and grills used on nonflammable surfaces, permitted agricultural or silvicultural burning, or campfires on private property and in parks when they are contained in approved fire rings or fire pits. More restrictive local burn bans remain in effect where applicable.
The Washington State Fire Marshal is also urging residents to avoid activities that could ignite dry vegetation, inspect vehicles for dragging parts or unsecured trailer chains before traveling, and properly dispose of smoking materials.
