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Gov. Gregoire signs statewide State of Emergency proclamation due to wildfires

For Immediate Release: July 11, 2008

OLYMPIA � Governor Chris Gregoire today signed a statewide State of Emergency proclamation, freeing up equipment, human resources and funding to help battle the growing wildfires in central and Eastern Washington. The emergency proclamation will remain in effect until the governor rescinds it.

�I am prepared to do what it takes to get these fires under control,� Gregoire said. �We must do whatever we can to protect our people, animals, property, economy and environment.�

Fire crews from across Washington are battling fires in Chelan, Douglas, Stevens, Adams, Ferry, and Spokane counties. With hot and dry conditions continuing on both sides of the state, the proclamation ensures all Washington communities have sufficient fire-fighting resources during this vulnerable time.

The proclamation sets in motion:

� An avenue to cut across government boundaries to do immediately what is required;

� A process to move firefighting resources from agency to agency, quickly and efficiently; and

� A directive to all state agencies and departments to use state resources to do everything reasonably possible to assist affected areas.

The state�s Military Department and Emergency Management Division will coordinate assistance to the affected areas. In addition, the proclamation authorizes the adjutant general of Washington, Maj. Gen. Timothy Lowenberg, to mobilize into active duty the National Guard when other resources have been expended. Oregon emergency officials have been briefed and they stand ready to offer assistance if requested.

Gregoire last night flew over the Badger Mountain fire burning in East Wenatchee. She also met with first responders battling the Valley View fire in Spokane Valley and with evacuees at University High School. About a dozen homes have been destroyed in Spokane Valley.

�I have to commend those on the frontlines,� the governor said. �While the Valley View fire has destroyed several homes, we haven�t suffered any fatalities. Our firefighters who risk their lives to protect all of us deserve our gratitude.�

Cooler temperatures and calmer winds helped fire crews gain some control overnight. Regardless, the governor is asking everyone to stay out of evacuation areas.

�I ask this for two reasons,� the governor said. �To keep our citizens safe, and to keep those fighting the flames safe. We want to minimize the number of firefighters conducting life-threatening rescue operations as much as possible.�

Fire crews are doing a great job and are safely returning people to their homes. The governor asks homeowners to respect the recommendations from fire personnel to prevent the need for a re-evacuation. Nobody has been injured, and firefighters want to ensure it stays that way.