Washington Declares Emergency as Wildfires Prompt Evacuations

WHO:

CNN - Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency.

KOMO - Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove stated that this year has been one of the busiest wildfire years on record.

WHAT:

CNN - A fast-moving wildfire, known as the Old Trails Fire, has forced residents to evacuate their homes in Spokane County.

CNN - The highest level of evacuation order, Level 3, was issued for several areas in Spokane.

KOMO - A statewide prohibition on most outdoor and agricultural burning was issued through September 30.

CNN - More than 200,000 acres are currently burning from 12 large fires across Washington.

KOMO - More than 1,000 fires have burned about 425,000 acres in Washington this year, the highest since 2021.

WHERE:

CNN - The wildfire is located in Spokane County, Washington.

KOMO - The statewide burn ban applies to all of Washington.

WHEN:

CNN - The Old Trails Fire started around noon on a Saturday.

KOMO - The statewide burn ban is effective through September 30.

WHY:

CNN - The emergency declaration was made due to record-setting drought, high winds, and extreme fire weather conditions.

KOMO - The declaration aims to prevent loss of life and property damage.

HOW:

CNN - An evacuation shelter was opened at a community college for residents fleeing their homes.

KOMO - The proclamation allows Washington to access additional firefighting resources through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact and authorizes additional National Guard activations as needed.

KOMO - Governor Ferguson activated 110 Washington National Guard members to support firefighting efforts.

(UPDATED August 2, 2026 04:26 UTC)

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has declared a statewide emergency in response to the fast-moving Old Trails Fire, which has forced residents to evacuate their homes in Spokane County. This year has seen over 1,000 fires burning approximately 425,000 acres across the state, making it one of the busiest wildfire years on record, prompting a statewide burn ban effective through September 30. To assist with firefighting efforts, Governor Ferguson has activated 110 National Guard members and opened an evacuation shelter at a community college for those fleeing the flames.