Governor Bob Ferguson Declares State of Emergency in Walla Walla County Due to Paradise Fire Threat to Drinking Water
Governor Bob Ferguson has declared a state of emergency in Walla Walla County, Washington, in response to the Paradise Fire's impact on the Mill Creek Watershed. This watershed is the primary source of drinking water for approximately 35,000 residents in the city of Walla Walla. The Paradise Fire, which originated from a lightning strike in Oregon on July 16, has since spread into Washington, burning over 8,000 acres. This area includes about one-third of the Mill Creek Watershed. The emergency declaration is a proactive measure to address the potential contamination of the water supply with ash and sediment, which the city's current water treatment plant is not equipped to handle. Additionally, the fire significantly increases the risk of subsequent natural disasters such as flooding, landslides, debris flows, and sedimentation in the affected region. While no fire-related impacts on water quality have been detected yet, the city has intensified water-quality testing and is preparing to use groundwater we... 
