Governor Bob Ferguson of Washington declared a state of emergency on August 1, 2026, as high temperatures and winds worsened ongoing wildfires in Spokane County. Over 200,000 acres are burning across 12 large fires in eastern Washington, amid a record-setting fourth consecutive statewide drought. The 'Old Trails Fire' prompted Level 3 'Go Now' evacuation warnings for several neighborhoods in western Spokane. The state has also issued a prohibition on most outdoor and agricultural burning through the end of September. The National Weather Service warned of critical fire weather conditions extending into Idaho, Montana, and Oregon. Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove noted that this year has been one of the busiest for wildfires on record, urging residents to avoid actions that could ignite new fires.
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State of Emergency Declared in Washington Due to Wildfires
A state of emergency has been declared in Washington as wildfires continue to spread, burning over 200,000 acres across eastern Washington. Evacuations have been ordered in Spokane County, and a statewide ban on outdoor burning has been implemented until the end of September.
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Original Headline
Evacuations ordered in Washington state as wildfire spreads through Spokane County
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State of Emergency Declared in Washington Due to Wildfires