Emergency declared in Washington wildfires

SPOKANE, Washington — Washington Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency Tuesday for 20 Washington state counties in response to wildfires that threaten homes and natural resources.

Inslee issued the declaration after touring fire scenes in the Spokane region, noting that hot and windy conditions are forecast for the next seven days.

Inslee’s proclamation directs state agencies to do everything reasonably possible to assist local governments in responding and recovering from fires.

It allows the use of the National Guard if jurisdictions need more resources.

The proclamation covers Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Yakima, Walla Walla and Whitman counties.