Hazy skies are already settling in over western Washington - with more to come later this week, as Governor Bob Ferguson has declared a statewide emergency that
Hazy skies are already settling in over western Washington - with more to come later this week - as Gov. Bob Ferguson has declared a statewide emergency that includes an outdoor burn ban.
Wildfires from Canada and central Washington are already pushing smoke into western Washington and Seattle. And now, with several fires burning in Spokane and a shift in winds, it means more wildfire smoke coming our way.
The wildfires in Spokane have burned 700 structures, many of those being homes. Officials warn that number is expected to grow.
The fires also forced as many as 65,000 people to evacuate.
Authorities said at a Monday news conference that satellite images of 1,100 additional areas are being taken to determine the extent of commercial and residential damage and loss.
The Spokane County Sheriff's Office said Monday it is still trying to locate 14 people who needed help during the fires.
"There’s a moment of fear that I think I've never felt before in my life,” Katie Sullivan, who was forced to evacuate, said. “Where the cloud of smoke comes and blocks the sun, and you can hear things exploding, catching fire, there's nowhere to go."
It is a wildfire that's posing major challenges. That's why Ferguson declared a statewide emergency and an outdoor burn ban for all 39 counties across the state to try and reduce wildfire risks.
The outdoor burn ban:
1. Includes but is not limited to campfires, bonfires, residential yard debris clean-up, trash disposal, land clearing, weed abatement, and agricultural burning activity.
2. The outdoor burn ban does not include the following activities:
- Use of liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves or grills over a non-flammable surface and at least five feet from flammable vegetation;
- Agricultural or silviculture burning pursuant to a fire permit issued by a local or state authority in accordance with existing statutes and rules; and
- Campfires at state, county and municipal parks and campgrounds, or small campfires contained in a structure (including fire rings) on private property, in accordance with current and ongoing restrictions imposed by the agency or property owner with legal authority over the park, campground, or property.
This is as 900 crews and the National Guard battle the flames in eastern Washington.
"This fire is still very active, and it's going to be for some time until we can get crews to visit every place that was affected by it,” Spokane Fire Chief Tom Williams said.
And as residents wait for updates, they are forced to make difficult decisions, seeing what their home was once, now turned to rubble.
"I don't think I'm going to rebuild here,” Aric Frank, who lost his home in the fire, said. “I don't ever want to have to relive a fire coming up this hill again, and I've been in Spokane my entire 64 years."
Under the emergency proclamation, the burn ban is in effect until Sept. 30, but it can end sooner or be extended if needed.
