Inslee issues emergency proclamation over wildfire risk

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Citing extreme wildfire risk with high temperatures and widespread drought conditions, Gov. Jay Inslee and the state lands commissioner are taking emergency steps to reduce the risk of dangerous wildfires — and deal with them if they start.

The governor also asked people to limit — or forgo — their fireworks use this July 4th.

His emergency proclamation, issued Friday, allows the state Natural Resources department to quickly call on the National Guard and the State Guard to help respond to wildfires.

Lands Commissioner Peter Goldmark has banned all outdoor fires on state land protected by the Natural Resources department. Washington State Parks announced a ban on all campfires at state parks and on state-controlled ocean beaches.

The overall ban prohibits campfires in state forests, state parks and anywhere else on 13 million acres of state-protected lands. It will last until Sept. 30.

The burn ban doesn't cover federal lands, nor county or city parks.