Wildfire task force led by Bothell firefighter

Wildfire Task Force with Leader Jim Vandertoorn of Bothell Fire

When the Old Trails and Autumn Lane fires rapidly expanded, the pre-positioned task force was ready to respond.

Bothell’s own BC Jim Vandertoorn, who served as a Task Force Leader, shared his first hand perspective, noting that in more than 30 years as a Washington firefighter, he had not encountered fire behavior or destruction comparable to what crews experienced.

Crews conducted structure protection, extinguished spot fires, and supported coordinated suppression efforts to protect homes and communities. BC Vandertoorn credited the pre-positioning of the task force in Cle Elum with reducing response time and helping protect numerous residences.

He also recognized the crews from Gig Harbor Fire, Bremerton Fire, Eastside Fire & Rescue, South Kitsap Fire, Bainbridge Island Fire, and Browns Point Fire for their teamwork and commitment during a demanding 40-hour operational period.

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Bella's Voice raises $10k for animals affected by Spokane wildfires

Donors at Bella's Voice get stickers on the window
Photo courtesy Bella's Voice

Bella's Voice reports

We did it!!
We reached our goal and raised $10,412 for animals affected by the Spokane wildfires!

Here's the breakdown:

• $5000 from Bella's Voice
• $1782 from BV Shoreline donors
• $1323 from BV Lynnwood donors
• $748 from Givebutter
• PLUS... a generous donation of $1559 in checkout roundups from our friends at Resilient Hearts Animal Sanctuary (RHAS)! 

This donation will go to SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. who are caring for animals in urgent need of vet care, shelter, food, and more!

Also, RHAS is offering help transporting animals from rescues and shelters impacted by the fires to any receiving partners that have capacity to take them. Please reach out directly to Resilient Hearts to coordinate!
Thank you so much to everyone who participated in our 5K Match for Spokane fundraiser! 

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Mud Bay Launches Spokane Fire Relief Drive for Pets

OLYMPIA, WA – Independent PNW pet retailer Mud Bay is launching a donation drive to help pets and families affected by devastating fires across Spokane-area communities. 

From August 12–30, 2026 customers can purchase pet food or supplies at any Mud Bay location and donate the items to Spokane-area pets in need. Mud Bay will match donated purchases up to $10,000.

“When disaster disrupts a community, making sure pets have food and basic supplies can relieve one immediate worry for families facing an incredibly difficult time,” said Mud Bay CMO Al Puntillo.

“Our customers have always shown extraordinary generosity for animals and the people who love them. By matching their donations, we hope to help reach even more Spokane-area pets and families.”

 
Donations will support Spokane-area animal welfare organizations such as, SpokAnimal, that are working to provide essential food and supplies to those affected by the fires. AFCO Distribution, Mud Bay’s Spokane-based distributor, will transport the donated products directly to the area for delivery to local organizations.

 
The most requested items include dry dog food, dry cat food, food and water bowls, dog and cat harnesses, leashes, litter, litter boxes, and litter scoops. Customers may donate any eligible pet food or supply purchase made in a Mud Bay store during the campaign. Every contribution will help provide practical, timely support where it is needed most.

 

“We’re grateful to our customers, AFCO Distribution, and the animal welfare teams responding on the ground,” said Puntillo. “Working together, we can try and help Spokane-area pets stay fed, safe, and cared for as their communities recover.”

Founded in Olympia in 1988, Mud Bay is a family- and employee-owned business that has grown to become the Pacific Northwest’s largest independent pet retailer, with 65 locations and over 500 employees in Washington and Oregon. 

Mud Bay stores are known for their welcoming environments, deep knowledge of pet nutrition and supplies, and strong commitment to animal welfare—donating over $1,000,000 annually to animal-welfare organizations throughout the region. 

Local stores:

• Shoreline Mud Bay 1201 N 175th
• Lake Forest Park Mud Bay Town Center LFP

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Gov Ferguson suspends state laws to help victims of wildfires in seven counties and three tribes

Gov Ferguson at press briefing in Spokane

SPOKANE — Governor Bob Ferguson signed an emergency proclamation suspending state laws to help those impacted by Washington’s devastating wildfires.

Governor Ferguson’s emergency proclamation expands access to the state’s disaster cash assistance program, increases access to vital documents lost in the fires, makes it easier to get unemployment benefits, and temporarily suspends regulatory requirements for health care facilities and providers so health care remains accessible. It also eases requirements for businesses to help them remain viable beyond the disaster.

“My administration is laser-focused on assisting Washingtonians who have lost so much,” Governor Ferguson said. “My emergency proclamation waives and suspends numerous state laws so that help can move quickly.”

Governor Ferguson’s emergency proclamation includes actions helping individual Washingtonians, businesses and health care providers. It covers Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens, Douglas and Yakima counties, as well as the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Spokane Tribe of Indians.

The proclamation covers licenses, ID cards, business & professional licenses; individual and family emergency assistance; eviction notices; medical facilities and providers; pharmacies.

More information here

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Donate to fund for Spokane residents whose homes have burned

From Attorney General Nick Brown

The wildfires burning across the Spokane region have forced people from their homes and caused devastating losses for families and communities across Eastern Washington.

My thoughts are with everyone who has been displaced, everyone facing uncertainty about what comes next, and the firefighters, first responders, volunteers, and neighbors working to keep people safe.

Many Washingtonians are looking for ways to help. The City of Spokane has activated its H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund to support community members impacted by the Spokane Complex Fires.

DONATE HERE

All donations will remain local and go directly toward needs including short- and long-term rental assistance, transportation, replacement documents, medical equipment, diapers, formula, children’s clothing, school supplies, furniture, and basic household items.

I also want to bring your attention to the importance of giving securely and making sure your donation reaches the people you intend to help.

Unfortunately, scammers occasionally try to take advantage of people’s generosity after a disaster. Before donating elsewhere, take a moment to verify the organization and its website, and be cautious of high-pressure requests, unfamiliar fundraisers asking for personal information, and QR codes that don't come from a trusted source.

Please consider giving today to help Spokane families meet urgent needs and begin rebuilding in the weeks and months ahead.

To everyone affected by these fires and others burning across the state, Washington is with you and we are grateful to every first responder fighting to keep our communities safe.

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Wildfire smoke settles in to area

Lake Ballinger Park, Wednesday evening 8-5-2026
Photo by David Carlos

Wildfire smoke settled into our area during the afternoon and early evening on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. For most of the day it was hazy, but slowly settled downward in the late afternoon.

Lake Ballinger reflected the gray-pink sky
Photo by David Carlos

On Wednesday, there was no question about smoke being here. By late afternoon it was in the treetops, moving lower and lower. The smoke muted the sun and turned the gray smoke cloud a pale pink, reflected in the lake below.

Lake Ballinger photo by David Carlos

A few people went to fish in the lake, not concerned about breathing smoke. The paddleboarder fished for a while, then just relaxed and drifted on the still waters.

--Diane Hettrick

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FEMA grants governor's request for emergency declaration for wildfires in Eastern Washington

Fire destroyed neighborhood in Spokane
Photo courtesy The Other 98%

Declaration unlocks assistance for six counties and three Tribal nations to respond to fires

OLYMPIA – Governor Bob Ferguson announced today that the federal government has granted his request for an emergency declaration for the devastating wildfires burning in Eastern Washington. The declaration allows our federal partners to mobilize their resources and personnel to support our response, and unlocks resources for state, local and tribal governments.

The declaration covers Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens and Yakima counties, as well as the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Spokane Tribe of Indians.

It unlocks help for local governments with costs for evacuating and providing emergency shelters for people who are displaced by the wildfires. It also provides assistance for emergency food and water, search and rescue operations and more.

The Governor’s request was granted in full with the exception of debris removal.

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Red Sun, Red Sea

Photo by RJ Perna

Yes, the wildfire smoke is here. It makes for pretty pictures, it keeps the heat down, but it's very painful to inhale.

Scene from Richmond Beach.

--Diane Hettrick

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Smoke is impacting nearly every corner of our state

InciWeb, Bradeen Hill Fire

Where there is fire, there is smoke. Sadly, with multiple large fires burning across the state, this means smoke is beginning to impact nearly every corner of our state.

A light northeast flow is causing smoke to settle, with much of the state under an Air Quality Alert. You can check your local AQI by heading to dnr.wa.gov/smoke, where you can also find the Washington Smoke Blog which offers comprehensive information for communities affected by wildfire smoke.

When it is smoky outside, keep the following tips in mind to stay safe:

💡Stay updated on current and forecasted air quality

🚫Limit duration and intensity of outdoor activity

💨Maintain cleaner indoor air by keeping windows closed unless it's too hot to safely do so, and filter the air using an HVAC system equipped with an air filter, or a DIY box fan filter

🤝If you cannot keep your indoor air clean, consider traveling for some relief in cleaner air spaces such as a public building or friend's residence

--Washington Dept of Natural Resources

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City of Shoreline, Fire, and Police postpone NNO visits this evening; look to reschedule August 25

Smoke in the treetops
Photo by Diane Hettrick

By Diane Hettrick

Wildfire smoke reached Puget Sound today, in the form of a high solid cloud of pale grey. As the evening went by, it drifted lower down, reaching the treetops. Some reached ground level, as people reported stinging eyes, irritated throats, and coughing from throats full of particulate.

However, the advantage of that thick cloud is that it blocks the sun, so we did not receive the predicted high temperatures.

The City of Shoreline strongly encouraged block parties for National Night Out for Community to postpone their events to August 25, 2026 and cancelled scheduled visits from City, Fire, and Police representatives.

Protecting the health and safety of our community, hosts, and first responders is our top priority.

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we work together to ensure a safe and enjoyable National Night Out. If you’re outdoors today, please take precautions and limit exposure as AQI levels rise.

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Wildfires across the state, widespread damage in Spokane, smoke headed toward Puget Sound, Night Out block parties may be postponed

Courtesy Dept of Ecology

Multiple large fires burn across the state, with no rest in sight for firefighters. Spokane experienced devastating wildfire impacts over the weekend and the situation is still very active. Hundreds of structures burned, causing potentially hazardous air quality on top of the tragedy. Meanwhile, other fires across the state grew exponentially and are producing large amounts of smoke.

Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy air quality continues to inundate many parts of the state and more areas are expected to see smoke impacts later today and through the week. As winds shift, smoke is expected to cover the Columbia Basin and travel over parts of Western Washington, including the Seattle metro area.

King County Emergency Management: There is an air quality alert due to wildfire smoke for the King County region today (Aug. 3) through Thursday. Increased temperatures into the high 80s and low 90s are expected Wednesday and Thursday. Information on how to prepare here

Just a slight shift in the wind can either blanket us in smoke or move the smoke away from us.

The City of Shoreline is waiting to see where the smoke is headed Tuesday morning. Tuesday evening is Night Out for Community with over 60 outdoor gatherings registered. These may be postponed depending on the air quality.

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Statewide Burn Ban

Helicopter flying into wildfire smoke
Photo courtesy WA St DNR

As part of his proclamation of a wildfire emergency today, Governor Ferguson banned all unauthorized outdoor burning across Washington.

This comes as the National Weather Service has issued a historic “Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS)” warning — a level above red flag — for heat and gusty winds throughout Eastern Washington today.

This is the first time the weather service has issued such a warning in Washington, and it means new fires can grow out of control rapidly, our aircraft response may be limited by wind and smoke, and our already taxed wildland firefighters will be in more dangerous conditions.

"We are beyond grateful for partners from Washington National Guard, crews from 14 states, and even crews from Australia who are working together with our DNR firefighters to protect our lands, forests, and communities.

"With 10 large fires currently burning, and more than 425,000 acres burned so far this year, we are begging you to please do your part to prevent more of our state from burning"

20 fires are burning throughout Washington and Oregon with state resources deployed to two to three new fires a day in Washington.

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Local firefighters return from the Rowe Creek Complex fire in central Oregon

Mitchell, Oregon photo by Patrick Farrell

After almost two weeks on the fireline, NWTF-2 demobilized and arrived home.

The task force (not all pictured) included Bothell’s own Battalion Chief Jim Vandertoorn as Task Force Leader, along with crews from Bothell Fire (B144), Shoreline Fire (B165), Eastside Fire & Rescue (B187), Renton Regional Fire Authority (B316), and Valley Regional Fire Authority (T334).

These crews worked hard throughout their deployment to the Rowe Creek Complex in north central Oregon helping protect lives, property, and communities.

Mitchell, Oregon resident Patrick Farrell commented

The members of NWTF-2 are heroic. Their grit, determination and professionalism helped keep our locality safe, and gave local IA crews critical respite and backup.

Also, they're an extraordinary bunch of people who integrated seamlessly with our tiny rural community with hearts focused on volunteerism and mutual respect.

Our debt of gratitude can never be repaid. Thank you for coming to our aid in our time of need.

Strong work, NWTF-2! We’re proud of you!  

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Shoreline Fire Wildland Deployment Update

Our Shoreline Fire Department personnel continue to answer the call, supporting wildfire operations both here in Washington and beyond.

Currently, we have three wildland teams deployed:
Communications Team: Two members are deployed in Eastern Washington, setting up and managing communications for multiple wildfire incidents.
Brush 165 Crew: Three firefighters are deployed to Central Oregon, assisting with wildfire suppression efforts.
Public Information Officer: Our PIO is also deployed to Central Oregon, supporting incident communications and keeping communities informed during ongoing wildfire operations.

We are proud of our personnel for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to protecting our state and our neighboring communities. Please join us in wishing them a safe deployment and safe return home.

--Shoreline Fire

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Wildfires increase across the state - Shoreline Fire is deployed

Shoreline firefighters are helping at Lyle Hill on the Columbia River gorge

By Diane Hettrick

Wildfires are generally fought by local fire departments. When they are too big, too fast, or in difficult terrains, local departments can ask for help from the state fire marshal.

I reported on the first wildfire - the Snake River fire in Whitman County on 6-12-2025. Since then the state has been involved in fighting eleven fires. It's early in the year for wildfires and it doesn't augur well for the real fire season this summer.

A recent fire - the Hamilton Fire in Okanogan County, threatened the town of Winthrop. Residents were advised to evacuate to Twisp, down the road. This is the first time I recall a population center being evacuated. They are back home now.

6-29-2025 Lyle Hill - Klickitat County

6-28-2025 Hamilton - Okanogan County - Winthrop evacuated

6-26-2025 Petersen - Klickitat County
6-24-2025 Black Rock - Grant County
6-23-2025 Wagon Wheel - Benton County
6-22-2025 Garred Road - Grant County
6-16-2025 Upriver - Spokane County
6-16-2025 Tucannon - Columbia County
6-14-2025 OIE - Benton County
6-14-2025 Highway 730 - Walla Walla County
6-12-2025 Snake River - Whitman County

Our recent drizzly weather is very fortunate as it added some rain to the ground. This is particularly important with the 4th of July coming up. Fireworks are illegal everywhere around us but there are always people who buy and use them anyway - and they often start fires.

You might start looking at and around your property now, to see what is vulnerable to fire.

Shoreline Fire advises that "Wildland fires can spread rapidly, especially during warm, dry conditions. As we head into the summer season, everyone can do their part by using extra caution with outdoor activities that could spark a fire."

Shoreline Fire has crews deployed to assist with both the Lyle Hill Fire in Klickitat County and the Hamilton Fire in Winthrop. Their roles include coordinating air drops, as well as helping to protect towns and surrounding areas from the fire. High winds are contributing to the spread of both these fires.

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Wildfires begin

2017 view from Richmond Beach
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

By Diane Hettrick

The first wildfire in the state serious enough for State fire assistance has been reported in Whitman County in southeast Washington near the Idaho border.

Whitman County - State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Snake River Fire located in Whitman County, near Clarkston.

The Snake River Fire started on June 12, 2026, at approximately 5:55 p.m. This fire is estimated at 160 acres and growing. It is burning in grass and brush and is threatening rangeland, primary residences, and power, communication, and rail infrastructure. No evacuations are in effect at this time. The fire cause is currently under investigation.

Ever since that awful summer where Puget Sound was filled with smoke from Canada, California, and eastern Washington and we couldn't open our windows for weeks, I have paid attention to the wildfire announcements.

In the intervening years, the state has paid more attention to its forests and worked extensively with local fire jurisdictions, but we are still vulnerable, even in Puget Sound.

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Update: Shoreline firefighters still deployed to wildfires

Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

Even as the seasons change, the threat of wildfires remains. 

Several members of our Shoreline Fire crews are currently deployed to support ongoing wildfire operations.

Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

Sugarloaf Fire - 12 miles NE of Leavenworth - sparked by lightning on August 31, 2025

• Battalion Chief Yake is serving as a Strike Team Leader Trainee.
• Brush 165 crew
• Driver/Engineer Linke
• Paramedic Etherington
• Firefighter Ware

Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

Moon Complex Fire - Coos & Curry Counties in SW Oregon - started by a lightning strike. Recent heavy rains have helped suppress the fire. Evacuation notices have been lifted and some Oregon crews are returning home.

• Lieutenant Harrington – Communications Technician
• Captain Merrick – Communications Leader

"We are proud of their dedication and commitment to supporting communities in need. Please join us in wishing them a safe and successful deployment."

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Bear Gulch fire continues to burn in Olympic National Park

Lake Cushman and the Bear Gulch Fire
Courtesy WA FireWire

As of September 25, 2025, the Bear Gulch Fire is burning in Mason County, Washington, primarily within Olympic National Park near Lake Cushman.

Wildfires on the Olympic Peninsula are unusual and authorities continue to express concern about this one.

The fire is situated in challenging mountainous terrain, which has made firefighting efforts more difficult. 

Smoke from this wildfire has also been contributing to reduced air quality in the Puget Sound region, including Seattle and surrounding areas.

Smoky sunset
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Some of the smoke has been making its way to Puget Sound, distorting sunsets, and putting a layer of haze on the ground.

As of September 25, 2025, the Bear Gulch Fire has burned approximately 19,980 acres and is 5% contained.

Firefighters are implementing a full suppression strategy, using ground crews, sprinkler systems, structure protection wraps, and aerial bucket drops to limit the fire’s spread.

The steep, rugged terrain and unstable burning debris have slowed progress, but cooler temperatures and rising humidity are expected to help containment efforts in the coming days.

Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders remain in effect for Staircase Campground, with an evacuation warning for Cushman Ridge, south of Dry Creek Trail.

Residents in this area have been instructed to leave immediately with essential belongings, family members, and pets.

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Wildland firefighter arrested and detained by ICE is released from custody with no further action against him

 Rigoberto Hernandez Hernandez stands with an attorney outside of the ICE detention center where he was held for nearly four weeks. Hernandez, a firefighter who was detained while battling a wildfire in Washington state, was released Tuesday, his attorneys said. (Courtesy photo/Innovation Law Lab)

By Alex Brown in the Washington State Standard

A wildland firefighter who was arrested by immigration agents while fighting a wildfire in Washington state has been released from detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, his attorneys said Wednesday.

Rigoberto Hernandez Hernandez was freed Tuesday after nearly four weeks in detention at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington. Hernandez is now back home in Oregon with his family, said Matt Adams, legal director with the Northwest Immigration Rights Project, which is representing him.

The group, along with attorneys at Oregon-based Innovation Law Lab, said that the arrest of Hernandez was illegal and violated due process. The groups’ petition for habeas corpus is still pending.

Adams said the government has dismissed its proceedings to remove Hernandez from the country.

“They’re acknowledging that there’s no justification for this arrest or this type of enforcement action targeting people who are on the front lines working to keep our community safe,” Adams said in an interview.

Attorneys for Hernandez filed the habeas corpus petition on Friday, and the government’s response was due at noon on Tuesday, Adams said. Rather than refuting the claims of due process violations, ICE released Hernandez around midday on Tuesday.

“I am glad that I am home, and I am excited to see my family,” Hernandez said in the statement issued by the legal groups. “I want to give my thanks to everyone — for their prayers, for the rallies, for sharing about what happened to me and the other firefighter. So many people stepped up to help, and now I want to help others just like they helped me.”

The immigration raid last month at the Bear Gulch fire in Washington state sent shockwaves through the wildland fire community. Wildfire veterans say it was a breach in longstanding protocol that federal agents don’t disrupt emergency responders to check immigration status.

Hernandez and another firefighter were arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which claimed they were in the country illegally. Federal immigration officials have also falsely claimed that the crews were not firefighters.

According to Innovation Law Lab, Hernandez has lived on the West Coast since he was 4 years old and worked as a firefighter for the past three years. He applied for a U-visa in 2018, an application that is still pending due to government backlogs.

“This story just highlights how far astray this whole immigration enforcement regime has gone,” Adams said. “They’re out there in the middle of a disaster zone randomly targeting firefighters. This has nothing to do with community safety, it’s just this message of this war on immigrants.”

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South County firefighters return from wildfire

Photo courtesy South County Fire

16 days after they deployed to help with the Lynx Mountain Fire near Daisy, Washington in Ferry County - four South County firefighters have returned home safely: Firefighter Andy MacDonald, Captain Tyler Ackley, Captain Dennis Lunny and Firefighter Patrick Dineen.

Photo courtesy South County Fire

Three other South County firefighters are deployed to the Katy Creek Fire, further north, near Kettle Falls.

One firefighter is expected to return tomorrow while the other two will stay for another week.

All deployed South County firefighters are certified to respond to wildland fires and volunteer for deployment. 

South County Fire will be reimbursed for costs associated with personnel and apparatus.

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