OLYMPIA, Wash. --- Governor Jay Inslee proclaimed a state of emergency for 20 Washington counties after wildfires burned thousands of acres across the state.
The proclamation covers the following counties:
- Adams
- Asotin
- Benton
- Chelan
- Columbia
- Douglas
- Ferry
- Franklin
- Garfield
- Grant
- Kittitas
- Klickitat
- Lincoln
- Okanogan
- Pend Oreille
- Spokane
- Stevens
- Yakima
- Walla Walla
- Whitman
The proclamation directs state agencies to do everything possible to help local governments responding to fires, according to a release from Inslee’s office. It also calls for staff at the state emergency operations center to coordinate state firefighting efforts and allows the state National Guard to be called up if local firefighting efforts need more resources.
Inslee toured the Spokane County Fairgrounds, which is serving as a shelter for livestock and other animals for fire victims. Then, he went on to tour the fire lines of the Yale Fire down by Freeman and Valleyford, and he also met with the very first crew from Fire District 8 that responded to that fire Sunday.
He blamed dry conditions and climate change for the increased fire danger in the state. He said climate change is "making the state of Washington much more susceptible to wildfires” and promised to work to fight it.
"Frankly, our forests are under attack from climate change. And climate change is dramatically changing our fire season. It is making the state of Washington much more susceptible to fire. And if there's any way the state can help these firefighters here locally, we want to be there. That's why I'm here today," the governor said.
Inslee said local fire commanders hadn't requested assistance form the National Guard but "the state will stand by."
Last year, many members of the National Guard had not been trained to fight wildfires until after the fires became unmanageable. This year, they were trained early in preparation of emergency response to wildfires. The governor said he understands that wildfires are becoming a growing threat in this part of the state.
"I know how explosive these fires are. I've lived through two of the largest firefighter seasons in the history of our state. Last year, the size of the state of Delaware burned down. I know the families. I've looked in their eyes when their homes have burned. I know the trauma that causes," he said.
The emergency status is currently at level 1, which means the State Emergency Operations Center staff are monitoring the situation and working with affected communities.
The Department of Natural Resources banned outdoor fires on state-protected lands and other local/federal agencies have instituted burn bans under their jurisdiction.
Inslee encouraged people to remove brush and wildfire “fuel” away from homes to help stop flames from spreading.
Inslee's election opponent Bill Bryant released this statement regarding the Spokane Complex fires:
"Barbara and I join Governor Inslee in offering our thoughts and prayers to those who have lost their homes. I know firsthand the threats of wildfires as we were evacuated from our home in Winthrop in 2015, and were surrounded by the fires of 2014.
The wildfires in Eastern Washington are a reminder of the importance of sound forest management practices to minimize the likelihood of fire, and the risks to life and property."
Senator Patty Murray was also in Spokane and was briefed Tuesday morning at Incident Command. Both she, and the governor said they are working to make sure local crews have access to federal resources to fight these fires. They also said they wanted to personally thank some of the firefighters on the front lines today.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.