The Blog

Governor Chris Gregoire Governor Chris Gregoire

07/11/08

To help battle growing wildfires in central and Eastern Washington, I signed a statewide state of emergency proclamation today. This frees up equipment, human resources and funding.

This action cuts across government boundaries and immediately helps us get done what is necessary. I am prepared to do what it takes to get these fires under control. We must protect our people, animals, property, economy and environment.

Last night, I flew over the Badger Mountain fire burning in East Wenatchee. I also met with first responders battling the Valley View fire in Spokane Valley and with evacuees at University High School. 

I commend those on the frontlines. While the Valley View fire has destroyed several homes, I am grateful we haven’t suffered any fatalities. Our firefighters who risk their lives to protect all of us deserve our gratitude.

And while cooler temperatures and calmer winds have helped firefighters gain some control, I’m asking everyone to stay out of evacuation areas. I ask this for two reasons: to keep our citizens safe and to keep those fighting the flames safe. We want to minimize as much as possible the number of firefighters conducting life-threatening rescue operations.

Fire crews are doing a great job and are safely returning people to their homes. Still, I  ask homeowners to respect the recommendations from fire personnel to prevent the need for a re-evacuation. No one has been injured, and I want to ensure it stays that way.