Orcas Island Fire Department has joined with San Juan and several local fire districts to respond to fires now burning out of control in eastern Washington. Firefighters from all over the state are sending what help they can to help in the effort. One fire, east of Wenatchee, is now considered a threat to the Bonneville Power lines. Firefighters Tad Lean and David Howitt from San Juan Island plus Chad Kimple and Perry Pruett are manning brush engines from both islands. Noel Monin from San Juan Fire District 3 is the Strike Team Leader.

On July 11, Gov. Christine Gregoire arrived in Spokane and authorized a statewide State of Emergency proclamation after fires threatened a large part of the Spokane Valley area.

The authorization frees up equipment, human resources and funding to help battle the growing wildfires in central and Eastern Washington.