Obama Declares Emergency for Washington State Wildfires

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and Department of Homeland Security have been authorized to coordinate all federal disaster relief efforts for the local populations impacted by the fires.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — US President Barack Obama issued an emergency declaration for the State of Washington on Friday in response to widespread wildfires.

“[President Obama] ordered federal aid to supplement state and local response efforts in the areas affected by wildfires,” the White House said in a press release.

The National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) has reported a total of 13 uncontained wildfires in Washington State, with an additional four that have been brought under control.