Washington orders statewide burn ban amid historic fire threat

OLYMPIA — Washington officials have ordered a statewide burn ban, mobilized firefighting resources across Eastern Washington and warned residents to prepare for what forecasters say could be one of the most dangerous fire weather events ever recorded in the state.

Gov. Bob Ferguson's wildfire emergency proclamation, issued Saturday, prohibits all unauthorized outdoor burning statewide as high temperatures, critically dry vegetation and forecast wind gusts approaching 50 mph threaten to rapidly spread existing fires and ignite new ones.

The National Weather Service has issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation, or PDS, fire weather warning for portions of Eastern Washington, the first time the designation has been issued in Washington. The alert is reserved for rare and exceptionally dangerous fire weather conditions that can produce explosive wildfire growth.

The warning covers much of Central and Eastern Washington, including portions of Klickitat, Yakima, Kittitas, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Adams, Okanogan, Ferry, Stevens, Lincoln, Spokane and Pend Oreille counties.

In response to the forecast, the Washington State Patrol has authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan.

Chief John Batiste approved the mobilization Friday afternoon at the request of Fire Chief Wes Long of the West Klickitat Regional Fire Authority, Fire Chief Brandon Asher of Chelan Fire and Rescue 7 and Fire Chief Kris Maynard of Spokane County Fire District 8.

The mobilization allows firefighting resources to be pre-positioned throughout the Lower Columbia, Mid-Columbia and Northeast regions before new fires develop or existing fires worsen.

The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray has been activated at Level 2, a partial activation, to coordinate state assistance. The Washington State Fire Marshal's Office has ordered three strike teams, while Fire Protection Bureau personnel continue coordinating the deployment of additional resources as conditions warrant.

Under the mobilization plan, the Fire Protection Bureau coordinates the dispatch and administrative oversight of personnel and equipment when fires or other emergencies exceed the capabilities of local jurisdictions.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources said Saturday is expected to be the most hazardous day of the event.

"With extremely dry fuels on the landscape, wildfires are already growing rapidly and are hard to control," said Russ Lane, DNR's Wildland Fire Division manager. "High winds on Saturday will create explosive fire growth that is rarely seen in Washington state."

The agency warned that strong winds will likely cause significant growth on existing fires while allowing any new fire starts to spread rapidly.

DNR said it is coordinating with electric utilities ahead of the wind event. Utilities may implement Enhanced Powerline Settings or Public Safety Power Shutoffs to reduce the risk of power lines sparking additional wildfires. Residents are encouraged to prepare for possible power outages caused by preventive shutoffs or damage to electrical infrastructure.

Additional firefighting resources have been brought into Washington ahead of the expected weather event.

According to DNR, crews have arrived from 14 states, Australia and Alaska, where a strike team of fire engines was transported to Washington by barge. A CAL FIRE Complex Incident Management Team has assumed command of the Sinlahekin Fire near Loomis, while additional interagency incident management teams from California, Alaska and the Northern Rockies also have been assigned to Washington fires.

The Washington National Guard is mobilizing 110 Guard members to form five hand crews after previous wildfire training with DNR. The agency said it is the first time in four years conditions have required it to request National Guard ground support. Three National Guard heavy helicopters are already assigned to fires in Central Washington.

As of Saturday, DNR reported 10 large wildfires burning across the state. More than 425,000 acres have burned in Washington so far this year.

"The support from our local, state and federal partners has been terrific. We're all fully engaged in this fight," Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove said. "I'm calling on Washingtonians—please, don't be a spark this weekend. Your choices could literally save lives."

State officials are urging residents to follow all burn restrictions, avoid activities that could spark a wildfire and remain alert for changing fire conditions throughout the weekend.