OLYMPIA -- After touring the Spokane-area fires on Tuesday, Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency for 20 Eastern Washington counties.
"These fires threaten people, property and the natural resources of Eastern Washington," Inslee said in a press release. "This proclamation frees up state resources so we can provide the assistance that these communities might need. This is a time for all Washingtonians to come together."
The fires have prompted evacuation after burning more than 25 structures and threatening hundreds more.
The counties included in the order are Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Yakima, Walla Walla and Whitman.
Hot and windy weather conditions are expected during the next seven days. The weather, and the lack of firefighting resources in the Pacific Northwest, could also hamper firefighting efforts.
The Department of Natural Resources has banned outdoor fires on state-protected lands. Other agencies have also instituted burn bans on lands under their jurisdiction.
Washington wildfire resources can be found here.
