Statewide emergency declared as Washington bans most outdoor burning amid wildfire threat

Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency Saturday in response to drought conditions, unusually high temperatures, high winds and record-setting wildfires, while issuing a statewide prohibition on most outdoor and agricultural burning through Sept. 30. WATCH: Gov. Ferguson gives a briefing on the state’s efforts to contain the Spokane wildfires ALSO SEE | Cooler weather, showers arrive for Seafair weekend as fire danger grows in eastern WA The emergency proclamation comes ahead of what the National Weather Service described as an unprecedented "particularly dangerous situation" Red Flag Alert, with an "extreme" wildfire weather risk forecast across Eastern Washington. "Our record-setting drought and high winds are creating dangerous conditions across the state," Ferguson said in a statement. "I am declaring an emergency to help prevent loss of life and property damage." Washington is experiencing its fourth consecutive statewide drought, which officials described as record-setting. Gov.