Due to the growing risk of wildfires, Governor Jay Inslee has declared a State of Emergency and prohibition on most outdoor burning through the end of September. Agricultural burning is allowed, ONLY if a local authority has issued a permit to do so.

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According to a release from the Governor's Office:

"Washington is facing a historic drought and we have already experienced record-breaking heat. We must be vigilant in our efforts to prevent wildfires, and the loss of life and destruction of land and property that comes with them,” Inslee said. “We don’t want a repeat of recent years with dangerous wildfires across the state that have destroyed towns, killed livestock and resulted in weeks of unhealthy air quality. I urge everyone to do their part to help protect our beautiful state and all our communities.”

There are some exceptions to the burn ban, including the use of gas-fueled stoves, and small contained campfires on private property.

The declaration also activates the Washington National Guard to assist in battling wildfires.

“We have seen a record-breaking number of fires for this early in the summer,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. “Extreme drought conditions leave communities across our state at risk as fire danger continues to climb. I’m asking everyone to do their part and take precautions to prevent wildfires. Our firefighters on the frontlines depend on us to help keep them safe.”

You can read the entire Emergency Proclamation here.

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