OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington is officially in a state of emergency, thanks to a proclamation from Governor Jay Inslee signed Saturday evening.
Fires across central and eastern Washington, particularly the Gray Fire in Medical Lake, the Oregon Road fire in Elk, the Winona Fire in Whitman County and several large fires in the Cascades have brought devastation to their respective communities.
The declaration opens up potential for additional state and federal resources to respond to these fires.
Governor Inslee specifically noted the dangerous fires in eastern Washington, which have destroyed more than 200 homes, that he said are beginning to strain resources.
“Washington currently has significant and dangerous fires burning throughout the state, including extremely volatile and dangerous fires burning in Eastern Washington, creating a need to have all necessary firefighting resources readily available,” the proclamation reads.
In addition to ordering state agencies to coordinate assistance, the proclamation also activated the Washington State Guard and the National Guard.
