WALLA WALLA, Wash. — Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has declared a state of emergency in Walla Walla County because of wildfire impacts to the Mill Creek Watershed.
According to the governor, ash and sediment from the fire are contaminating the water—something the City of Walla Walla’s water treatment plant does not have the capability to remove.
The Paradise Fire has burned more than 8,000 acres across Walla Walla and Columbia counties. It started in mid-July.
The governor visited the Paradise Fire incident command center at Walla Walla Community College on Wednesday for a briefing.
“The impacts from wildfires do not end when the flames go out,” Governor Ferguson said. “Wildfires can have long-lasting impacts. We are in this for the long haul to ensure communities get the help they need.”
The governor worries that the fire will also increase the risk of flooding, landslides, debris flows, and sedimentation.
This emergency proclamation allows Walla Walla to seek federal assistance to mitigate the impacts to the area.
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