Cost to battle 20 wildfires in WA has topped $200M
OLYMPIA [ASPEN FORD] — In the span of a month, firefighting costs for 20 wildfires burning across Washington have totaled $207 million, according to data from the state’s Department of Natural Resources. The expenses will be split among local, state and federal agencies. But the number is telling: Those 20 fires, some of which are still burning, […]
Snohomish County firefighters deploy to Eastern WA to assist in combatting devastating fires
SPOKANE—At least three Snohomish County firefighting agencies have deployed to Eastern Washington to assist in fighting the devastating fires that have scorched more than 8,000 acres and damaged more than 700 homes since Tuesday, August 4. According to the Western Fire Chiefs Association there are currently three major, ongoing, fires in the Spokane area: the […]
Washingtonians encouraged to help support Washington wildfire relief
OLYMPIA – Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs is encouraging Washington residents, public employees, and state retirees to help residents affected by the numerous wildfires in Central and Eastern Washington state. Secretary Hobbs authorized the activation of the Disaster Relief Center (DRC), a special function of the Office of the Secretary of State’s Combined Fund Drive (CFD), and initiation […]
Spokane man arrested on first-degree arson charge in Old Trails Fire
SPOKANE—Thirty-seven-year-old Aaron F. Farinacci of Spokane was arrested around 5 p.m. Monday and is being held on $1 million bail on suspicion of first-degree arson after investigators say he started the Old Trails Fire just north of Spokane. Farinacci is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday. Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels announced the arrest Monday […]
Ferguson requests federal emergency declaration as Spokane wildfires force thousands to evacuate
SPOKANE — Governor Bob Ferguson requested a federal emergency declaration Sunday to mobilize additional federal resources as rapidly spreading wildfires force thousands of evacuations and destroy hundreds of structures across the state. “Governor Ferguson has made the request for federal assistance,” Congressman Michael Baumgartner (R-WA05) posted to on X at 2:07 p.m., Sunday, August 2. […]
Statewide Wildfire Emergency Declared, Governor Issues Burn Ban
OLYMPIA — A statewide state of emergency was declared Saturday by Governor Bob Ferguson due to prolonged drought, unusually high temperatures and strong winds that are fueling record-setting wildfires across Washington, while imposing a ban on most outdoor and agricultural burning through September 30, 2026. The proclamation took effect ahead of an unprecedented “particularly dangerous […]
Public invited to comment on Communitywide Climate Resiliency Plan draft
SNOHOMISH COUNTY—Snohomish County is inviting residents, businesses, and community partners to provide feedback on the draft Communitywide Climate Resiliency Plan (CwCRP) during a public comment period running June 1-30. This is the final public input opportunity for the CwCRP. The draft plan serves as a roadmap to help Snohomish County prepare for, respond to, and […]
