WHEREAS, the potential threat to life and property from wild fires is extreme, and could cause extensive damage to homes, public facilities, businesses, public utilities, and infrastructure in Washington State, and endanger the public welfare;

WHEREAS, wild fire fighting resources are scarce throughout the state, region, and nation due to fire fighting efforts in other areas;

WHEREAS, current resource availability would not be adequate to address the outbreak of simultaneous large fires in Washington State, and in such a case the National Guard would be needed to assist other jurisdictions and agencies in fire fighting efforts.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gary Locke, Governor of the state of Washington, as a result of the aforementioned situation and under RCW 38.08, 38.52, and 43.06, do hereby proclaim that a State of Emergency exists in Washington State and direct the supporting plans and procedures to the Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan be implemented. State agencies and departments are directed to utilize state resources and to do everything possible to assist affected political subdivisions in an effort to respond to and recover from the event. I also hereby order into active state service the Washington National Guard, or such part thereof as may be necessary in the opinion of the Adjutant General, to perform such duties as directed by competent authority.

	IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the state of Washington to be affixed at Olympia, this Eighth Day of August A.D., Two Thousand.
	Gary Locke Governor of Washington
BY THE GOVERNOR: Ralph Munro Secretary of State

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