Governor Declares Wildfire Emergency, Imposes Burn Ban

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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 declared due to drought, high temperatures, and high winds worsening wildfires“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 order bans 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 includes yard debris, trash disposal, and uncontained campfiresNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The ban does not apply to gas or liquid-fueled 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;”
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  The ban does not apply to permitted agricultural burning“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 apply to contained campfires in 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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  Washington has seen over 1,000 fires burn 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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  The number of acres burned this year is the most since 2021“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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  Over 200,000 acres are currently burning in 12 large fires“Currently, more than 200,000 acres are burning in 12 large fires.”
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  The state is in its fourth consecutive year of drought“Washington is in the midst of a record-setting fourth consecutive statewide drought.”
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  The emergency proclamation allows Washington to 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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  The governor activated 110 National Guard members on July 31“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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  More National Guard activations are possible“Today’s emergency proclamation authorizes additional National Guard activation as needed, at the discretion of Washington’s Adjutant General.”
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  Residents should check local restrictions before burning“Always check local restrictions before burning during the summer months.”
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  The state Fire Marshal urges avoiding activities that could ignite dry vegetation“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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  The state Fire Marshal mentions open flames as a risk“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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  The state Fire Marshal mentions equipment producing sparks as a risk“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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  The ban does not override stricter local bans“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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  Olympia residents must follow both state and Thurston County rulesNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.