UPDATE: August 1, 2026 at 10:43 p.m.
County officials reported that the resolution to approve a "State of Emergency" declaration passed unanimously during Saturday night's meeting.
The declaration, reportedly weighed by representatives "from all levels of government," will allow the Spokane County Sheriff and Deputy Director of Emergency Management John Nowels to purchase emergency equipment in response to the fires without undergoing standard protocols.
Wildfire Emergency Declaration Resolution - Spokane County
SPOKANE, Wash. – Officials announced that the Spokane County Board of Commissioners will hold a public meeting on Saturday night to issue a "State of Emergency" declaration in Spokane County, amid multiple wildfires that have ignited and spread significantly throughout the day.
The meeting is scheduled to take place at 8:30 p.m., in the commissioners’ conference room located on the first floor of the Spokane County Courthouse.
“This action will grant additional authority to Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels and Emergency Management Deputy Director Chandra Fox to bypass the usual protocols for purchasing equipment and supplies,” County officials stated.
Article originally published August 1, 2026 at 8:02 p.m.