Ferguson declares emergency over Walla Walla wildfire risks
By Dan Thesman on Friday, August 28th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – Governor Bob Ferguson has declared a state of emergency in Walla Walla County as the Paradise Fire impacts the Mill Creek Watershed, which approximately 35,000 residents rely on for drinking water.
Today’s (Friday) declaration comes just two days after the governor visited the Paradise Fire incident command center at Walla Walla Community College for a briefing.
“The impacts from wildfires do not end when the flames go out,” 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 Paradise Fire and future wildfire threaten to contaminate the watershed with ash and sediment that the city of Walla Walla’s water treatment plant does not have the capability to remove. According to the governor’s office, the wildfire will also significantly change the watershed conditions and increase the risk of flooding, landslides, debris flows, and sedimentation.
Mill Creek Water Intake Facility during the week of Aug. 24 (Courtesy Jeff Scardt)
Governor Ferguson’s emergency proclamation allows Walla Walla to seek federal assistance to mitigate the short- and long-term impacts to the area, protecting the city’s water supply and managing future flood risk.
The Paradise Fire is nearly 9,300 acres at 13 percent containment.
Gov. Ferguson visiting Paradise Fire command center on Wednesday (WA State Governor’s Office)
