OLYMPIA, Wash — Gov. Jay Inslee has declared a state of emergency for all counties in the state of Washington due to wildfire dangers.
Inslee issued the statewide proclamation Wednesday to ensure there is an immediate response to multiple wildfires across the state.
“Wildfires are threatening the safety and livelihoods of Washingtonians all across the state, and the COVID-19 pandemic has put additional strain on our resources, as some of our usual support is further limited due to international movement restrictions,” Inslee said in a news release.
There are multiple wildfires burning in central and eastern Washington, as well as the Olympic Peninsula, including the Palmer Fire in Okanogan County, the Taylor Pond fire near Yakima, and multiple smaller wildfires in Olympic National Forest.
The proclamation authorizes the activation of the Washington National Guard to help protect homes, public facilities and utilities, businesses agriculture and natural resources.
“We are so grateful to our partners at the National Guard who are answering the call and joining us on the fire lines,” Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz added. “We train with them prior to wildfire season and know the skill and abilities they bring to the wildfire emergency facing so many communities right now.”
Inslee’s order remains in effect until 11:59 p.m. September 30.
Click here to read the full proclamation.
Cox Media Group
