Governor Christine Gregoire has signed a statewide state of emergency to deal with a number of wildfires in Central and Eastern Washington. Fires are being battled in Chelan, Douglas, Stevens, Adams, Ferry, Okanogon, and Spokane counties. The Spokane Valley fire has already destroyed 13 homes and has consumed over 1200 acres since it started. A fire outside of Wenatchee has already burned more than 12 and a half square miles, and with high wind and hot temperatures, the fire danger is only increasing. Mandatory evacuations have been declared in several hotspots throughout the state. The state of emergency will remain in place until Governor Gregoire rescinds it and the fires have been controlled. more ›