Washington Governor Bob Ferguson announced today (Tue) that the federal government has granted his request for an emergency declaration for the devastating wildfires burning in the eastern part of the state. The declaration allows federal partners to mobilize their resources and personnel to support response efforts, and unlocks resources for state, local and tribal governments. It unlocks help for local governments with costs for evacuating and providing emergency shelters for people who are displaced by the wildfires. “I appreciate the federal government moving quickly and granting our request for this emergency declaration,” Governor Ferguson said. The emergency declaration provides help through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for local agencies and governments while they continue to fight the fires.