Extended Fuel Delivery Waiver Aids Wildfire Response

Photo byOffice of the Governor of Washington

An emergency order issued by Gov. Jay Inslee has now been okayed by the federal government, the Governor's Office reported on Thursday.

Per Emergency Proclamation 24-04, drivers delivering fuel to firefighters can work beyond normal hours until Aug. 16. As of Thursday, the U.S. Department of Transportation extended this emergency exemption through Sep. 15, the Governor's Office reports further.

The extension is intended to assist ongoing wildfire responses through the rest of the summer as infernos close roads and reroute traffic in isolated areas, according to the Governor's Office.

Washington's Emergency Management Division requested the exemption out of concern for the heightened risk of wildfires through September, Governor's Office officials say.

The approved waiver supports regional fuel exports from Washington supporting firefighters in other states, including Oregon, the Governor's Office reports further.