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Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency on August 1, 2026“August 01, 2026 Story Body OLYMPIA — Today, Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide state of emergency due to our drought conditions, unusually high temperatures and high winds all exacerbating our record-setting wildfires.”
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The statewide emergency was due to drought, high temperatures, and high winds worsening wildfire risks“August 01, 2026 Story Body OLYMPIA — Today, Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide state of emergency due to our drought conditions, unusually high temperatures and high winds all exacerbating our record-setting wildfires.”
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The emergency includes a statewide ban on most outdoor burning through September 30, 2026“The declaration includes a statewide prohibition on most outdoor and agricultural burning through September 30, 2026.”
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The ban prohibits yard debrisNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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The ban prohibits trash disposalNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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The ban prohibits land clearing“The ban does not prohibit liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves or grills over non-flammable surfaces and at least five feet from flammable vegetation; agricultural or silvicultural burning with appropriate fire permits; or campfires on private property or at state, county and municipal parks and campgrounds that are contained in structures such as fire rings or fire pits.”
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The ban prohibits weed abatementNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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The ban prohibits bonfires“The ban does not prohibit liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves or grills over non-flammable surfaces and at least five feet from flammable vegetation; agricultural or silvicultural burning with appropriate fire permits; or campfires not contained in structures such as fire rings.”
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The ban prohibits campfires not in fire rings“The ban does not prohibit liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves or grills over non-flammable surfaces and at least five feet from flammable vegetation; agricultural or silvicultural burning with appropriate fire permits; or campfires on private property or at state, county and municipal parks and campgrounds that are contained in structures such as fire rings or fire pits.”
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Exemptions include gas stoves“The ban does not prohibit liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves or grills over non-flammable surfaces and at least five feet from flammable vegetation; agricultural or silvicultural burning with appropriate fire permits; or campfires on private property or at state, county and municipal parks and campgrounds that are contained in structures such as fire rings or fire pits.”
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Exemptions include agricultural burning with permits“Agricultural or silvicultural burning with appropriate fire permits; or campfires on private property or at state, county and municipal parks and campgrounds that are contained in structures such as fire rings or fire pits.”
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Exemptions include campfires in fire rings at parks“The ban does not prohibit liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves or grills over non-flammable surfaces and at least five feet from flammable vegetation; agricultural or silvicultural burning with appropriate fire permits; or campfires on private property or at state, county and municipal parks and campgrounds that are contained in structures such as fire rings or fire pits.”
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The ban does not override stricter local rules“The Governor’s burn ban does not supersede more restrictive bans issued by local governments or the Department of Natural Resources.”
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Firefighters are already stretched thin“"This year has already been one of our busiest wildfire years on record, and we just started August," said Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove. "Our firefighters are already stretched thin across the state, and with more heat and wind expected this weekend and for the rest of the summer, any new spark on our tinder dry landscapes can lead to another devastating wildfire. I’m urging all Washingtonians to not be that spark."”
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Over 1,000 fires are burning this year“More than 1,000 fires have burned approximately 425,000 acres — the most acres burned since 2021, according to the Department of Natural Resources.”
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The fires are burning 425,000 acres this year“More than 1,000 fires have burned approximately 425,000 acres — the most acres burned since 2021, according to the Department of Natural Resources.”
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Governor Ferguson activated 110 National Guard members“On Friday, July 31, Governor Ferguson activated 110 members of the Washington National Guard to support firefighting operations across the state, supplementing the 27 helicopter crew members activated earlier in July.”
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Governor Ferguson mobilized 13 fire task forces“The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office has mobilized 13 task forces. Eight are fighting the Sinlahekin Fire in Okanogan County, and five are fighting the Bradeen Hill Fire in Stevens County.”
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The state will access additional resources through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact“The proclamation also allows Washington state to access additional resources through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a nationwide mutual aid system.”
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Residents are urged to avoid activities that could spark fires“The Washington State Fire Marshal urges Washingtonians to refrain from any activity that may ignite dry vegetation, including the use of open flames, outdoor burning, or equipment capable of producing sparks or embers.”
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Residents are urged to avoid using open flames“The Washington State Fire Marshal urges Washingtonians to refrain from any activity that may ignite dry vegetation, including the use of open flames, outdoor burning, or equipment capable of producing sparks or embers.”
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Residents are urged to avoid using equipment that produces sparks“The Washington State Fire Marshal urges Washingtonians to refrain from any activity that may ignite dry vegetation, including the use of open flames, outdoor burning, or equipment capable of producing sparks or embers.”