Washington State Issues Statewide Wildfire Emergency and Burn Ban as Record Fires Threaten Communities
OLYMPIA, Wash. (August 3, 2026) — Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency and enacted a comprehensive ban on most outdoor and agricultural burning Saturday, responding to what officials describe as the state’s most dangerous wildfire conditions in years.
The emergency order, effective immediately and lasting through September 30, covers all counties and prohibits most forms of outdoor burning, including yard debris, trash disposal, land clearing, bonfires, and campfires not contained in approved structures. Liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves and grills over non-flammable surfaces remain permitted. The ban does not override stricter local or Department of Natural Resources (DNR) restrictions.
“Our record-setting drought and high winds are creating dangerous conditions across the state. I am declaring an emergency to help prevent loss of life and property damage. I encourage all Washingtonians to do their part to protect our state during these extreme conditions,” Ferguson said in the official announcement.
The declaration enables Washington to access additional firefighting resources through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact and authorizes further activation of the Washington National Guard as needed. On July 31, Ferguson activated 110 National Guard members to support wildfire response, supplementing helicopter crews already deployed.
Wildfire Situation: Over 425,000 Acres Burned, Major Fires Ongoing
According to the Washington Department of Natural Resources Wildfire Portal, more than 1,000 wildfires have burned approximately 425,000 acres statewide in 2026—the highest total since 2021. As of August 3, over 200,000 acres remain actively burning in at least 12 large fires, with several Level 3 (“Go Now”) evacuation zones in effect.
Major Active Fires (as of August 2, 2026)
| Fire Name | County | Acres Burned | Containment | Level 3 Evacuation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaiser Canyon | Okanogan | 134,167 | 38% | Yes |
| Modrite | Ferry | 40,625 | 19% | Yes |
| Sinlahekin | Okanogan | 36,268 | 0% | Yes |
| Little Giant | Chelan | 31,529 | 0% | Yes |
| Ptarmigan | Okanogan | 14,047 | 0% | Not specified |
| Old Trails/Fairview/Autumn Lane* | Spokane | 7,700+ | 0% | Yes |
| Bradeen Hill | Stevens | 4,212 | 7% | Yes |
| Hudspeth | Stevens | 4,211 | 0% | Not specified |
*Complex of multiple fires in Spokane County.
Thousands of residents have been evacuated, with Spokane, Okanogan, Ferry, Chelan, and Stevens counties all reporting active Level 3 evacuation orders. For the latest incident details, visit the DNR Wildfire Portal and InciWeb.
Public Safety Tips and Official Resources
- Avoid spark-producing activities such as open flames, fireworks, and equipment that can create sparks outdoors.
- Secure trailer chains and avoid parking vehicles on dry grass.
- Dispose of smoking materials properly; never discard cigarettes on roadways or in vegetation.
- Create defensible space by clearing brush and flammable materials from around homes. For preparedness tips, visit Wildfire Ready Neighbors.
- Monitor official sources for updates and evacuation orders.
Evacuation Guidance
- Level 1 (Be Ready): Stay alert and prepare to evacuate.
- Level 2 (Be Set): Be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
- Level 3 (Go): Leave immediately if ordered.
Review evacuation plans and keep emergency kits ready. More information is available from the Washington Emergency Management Division.
Air Quality and Health
- Check real-time air quality at AirNow.gov and the Washington Department of Ecology Air Quality Map.
- Follow health guidance from the Washington Department of Health.
Emergency Alerts and Contacts
- Sign up for alerts and register for county-specific notifications at mil.wa.gov/alerts.
- Report wildfires by calling 911 or 800-562-6010.
- For real-time alerts and area-specific resources, visit GovOneStop.com/active-alerts and GovOneStop.com/my-portal.
Stay Informed
For ongoing coverage and the latest updates on the wildfire