Gov. Inslee declares state of emergency for wildfires, limited burn ban
Jul 6, 2021, 5:43 PM
Firefighters Kyle Parker (L), Battalion Chief Bob Horst (C), and Sam Hochstatter from the Grant County Fire Department work to secure the fire line on the Cold Springs Fire on Sept. 10, 2020 in Omak, Washington. (Photo by Karen Ducey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Karen Ducey/Getty Images)
Gov. Jay Inslee has declared a statewide state of emergency related to the growing risk of wildfires.
The state of emergency includes a prohibition for the entire state on most outdoor and agricultural burning through Sept. 30, 2021. It does include some burn ban exemptions. Nothing in the order supersedes more restrictive provisions by a city or county government.
“Washington is facing a historic drought and we have already experienced record-breaking heat. We must be vigilant in our efforts to prevent wildfires, and the loss of life and destruction of land and property that comes with them,” Inslee said. “We don’t want a repeat of recent years with dangerous wildfires across the state that have destroyed towns, killed livestock and results in weeks of unhealthy air quality. I urge everyone to do their part to help protect our beautiful state and all our communities.”
Statewide DNR burn ban enacted ahead of Fourth of July weekend
State Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz signed an order issuing a statewide burn ban, effective July 2, on all forest lands under the Washington State Department of Natural Resources fire protection.
That was followed by a ban of wood and charcoal fires at Washington State Parks statewide and on ocean beaches until further notice. The level 3 burn ban was effective immediately on July 2.
The proclamation from Gov. Inslee also activates the Washington National Guard to help with wildfire suppression efforts.
Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest
