OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Washington is now under a statewide burn ban amid serious drought conditions.
Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency along with the ban on Saturday, Aug. 1.
Most outdoor and agricultural burning is now prohibited through Sept. 30.
The ban includes yard debris, trash disposal, land clearing, bonfires and campfires that aren’t contained in structures. But the governor’s order does not supersede Whatcom County’s current Stage 2 burn ban, which prohibits campfires even in designated fire rings throughout unincorporated parts of the county.
Gas or propane stoves and grills over non-flammable surfaces are still allowed in areas without vegetation and proper clearance.
Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove says 2026 has already been one of the state’s busiest wildfire years on record, even before August started.
“Our firefighters are already stretched thin across the state, and with more heat and wind expected this weekend and for the rest of the summer, any new spark on our tinder dry landscapes can lead to another devastating wildfire,” Upthegrove said in a news release. “I’m urging all Washingtonians to not be that spark.”
According to the Washington state Department of Natural Resources, 12 large fires across Washington are currently burning more than 200,000 acres.
Federal dollars coming to Washington in effort to combat wildfires
Efforts to combat a wildfire burning east of Whatcom County will soon receive support from Federal Emergency Management Agency funds.
FEMA announced Sunday, Aug. 2 that it had authorized the use of federal funds to assist with firefighting costs for the Sinlahekin fire burning in Okanogan County. The Sinlahekin fire has grown to over 73,000 acres, threatening the nearby towns of Loomis and Tonasket.
Washington’s request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) to help fund firefighting costs was approved by the agency on Saturday, Aug. 1.
FMAGs were also approved for the Fairview fire in Steven County and the Autumn Lane fire in Spokane County.
So far, FEMA has approved nine grants to help fund fighting Washington’s fires.
Editor’s Note: this story was updated to include information on FEMA funds in Washington state. Last updated 8/3/26 4:06 p.m.
