Dryer than normal conditions prompted Washington Governor Chris Gregoire to declare a state of emergency and extend a ban on outdoor fires. Outdoor burning is banned in all counties until October 15. The state is experiencing a rare stretch of dry weather.
Department of Natural Resources spokesman Brian Flint says the state has had no significant rainfall since late July. Forecasters say Friday is the earliest the area could see some rain. Flint says fire crews have been fighting several blazes in central and Eastern Washington. "Some of them we've put out we’ve had a couple that are a little bit more troubling to deal with. One near Sedro Woolly and we’ve a large fire over on the Colville Reservation that is also a work in progress."
An outdoor burn ban was already in effect east of the Cascade Crest. The ban prohibits all outdoor burning. Camp stoves are allowed, as are home charcoal grills. The emergency proclamation from the governor also puts Washington's National and State Guard units on alert.
