— from Office of the Governor —
Gov. Jay Inslee tonight proclaimed a state of emergency in all counties across Washington state due to growing wildfire concerns.
“Current weather forecasts predict continuing elevated temperatures throughout the state for the next seven days, providing hot and dry conditions, that, combined with the existing high-risk fire fuel conditions, support an active burning environment capable of producing significant multiple wildfires requiring the need for additional immediate response throughout the state,” Inslee wrote in the proclamation.
Firefighters are battling multiple fires east of the Cascades, including the Jolly Mountain Fire in Kittitas County. That fire has grown to more than 14,500 acres and is currently threatening local communities, homes and businesses. Roads have been closed and Level 2 and 3 evacuation orders are currently in place for nearly 4,000 homes.
Inslee’s proclamation notes that the availability of firefighting resources through the state and western United States is limited due to existing and projected fire conditions and activities throughout the region. The proclamation allows the use of Washington National Guard resources to help fight fires, and directs state agencies to utilize state resources and do everything reasonably possible to assist affected political subdivisions.
The State Emergency Operations Center is currently activated at Level 2 to help monitor the situation and coordinate state firefighting efforts.
