I am heartbroken to learn of the deaths of three firefighters who lost their lives over the weekend while fighting fires in Utah and Oregon. My thoughts are with their families, friends, and fellow crew members.

More dry, windy weather is going to make things harder for our firefighters this weekend. Everyone in Washington needs to be smart and safe. Don’t be the spark that sets off another catastrophe. We all need to work together to weather this storm.

We’re ramping up for another tough weekend of wildfire weather. With more than 7,500 people helping fight fires across Washington, any new spark could be even more devastating for our state.

As some evacuation levels begin to lower and people return home, I'm happy to report our teams have established containment lines around the perimeters of the Spokane Area Fires and are attacking hot spots and mopping up areas still burning.

Thank you @governorferguson.bsky.social for the much needed emergency declaration and statewide burn ban. Fire conditions are extreme and we still have a long way to go this fire season. We all have a role to play and right now that role is not being the next spark.

Our fire team is working fast alongside local crews to help get a handle on this fast moving fire in Spokane Valley. My thoughts are with everyone affected. I’m urging everyone to give firefighters space and stay out of the area.

My heart goes out to the loved ones of those who lost their lives today in the tragic accident in Longview. My thoughts are with the entire Longview community — especially the workers, first responders, and all those still waiting for news about their loved ones.

My number one priority for over a year was restoring the $60 million in fire funding the legislature cut last year. I traveled the state, speaking with legislators and community groups, visiting fire camps and talking to firefighters who rely on funding from DNR.

The proposed cuts to DNR's recreation funding could lead to reductions and closures of some of Washington's most popular recreation areas. The Legislature must commit to funding this critical work.

The Seattle Times@seattletimes.com · 6mo ago

Cuts are on the table again for the state's agency that manages millions of acres of public lands used for hiking, biking and off-road vehicle riding. Here's what to know.

This innovative project is just one of the many ways our Urban and Community Forestry Program supports communities from Seattle to Spokane. Eliminating state funding for this work would go against our values as the Evergreen State. www.nwpb.org/local/2026-0...

Tacoma gets grant to plant trees around where kids walk to school

The city of Tacoma has been prioritizing tree planting in parts of the city where there are fewer trees.

nwpb.org

DNR's Recreation Program works tirelessly to maintain millions of acres, and thousands of miles of trails. Let's support these workers and recommit to protecting our natural heritage. https://www.peninsuladailynews.com/opinion/point-of-view-lets-invest-in-state-recreation-areas/

POINT OF VIEW: Let’s invest in state recreation areas - Peninsula Daily News

WHEN I WAS a young adult, I spent my summers working for the Boy Scouts, leading week-long backpacking treks through the North Cascades. We hiked high passes, slept in mountain meadows, and spent days...

peninsuladailynews.com

Many thanks to the Editorial Board at @columbian.com for this piece about our work at DNR. The way we chart the future of forestry in our state is through sustainable management. https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/jan/16/in-our-view-multiple-voices-help-guide-wa-forests-mission/

In Our View: Multiple voices help guide WA forests’ mission

As an issue surrounding state forest lands in Clark County demonstrates, the balance between conservation and harvesting can be complex. That is how it should be; decisions about the future of forests

columbian.com

Wildland firefighters run toward the danger every wildfire season. I applaud Congress for passing this legislation and will continue to work to support our firefighters while they work to protect us. https://bit.ly/49jxDWp

‘It’s just us’: A WA firefighter, his son and a treacherous choice

For two decades, Luis Martinez has fought wildfires for the U.S. government. Now he’s facing down cancer, debt and the threat of separation from his 11-year-old.

seattletimes.com

Today is Native American Heritage Day. Over the past year - my first as Commissioner of Public Lands - I have had the privilege to work more closely with Tribal nations than ever, meeting with 21 tribes and forging close partnerships on a wide variety of endeavors.

Today, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the folks at @wadnr.bsky.social, and I want to wish all Washingtonians a happy and safe holiday. Happy Thanksgiving!

Ten years ago, I married the love of my life - thanks in part to the Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v Hodges. This weekend, the court upheld that historic decision and reaffirmed that the principles of equality, fairness, and justice still mean something.

Still waiting for someone to get me some tsunami awareness jewelry 👀 I guess I will just keep scrolling dnr.wa.gov/tsunamis while I wait

This funding is essential to supporting important programs across the state. Moving forward, I will do everything in my power to push back on the Trump administration's efforts to terminate critical funding and programs here in Washington. bit.ly/3WmqKgY

Judge blocks Trump cuts to WA climate resilience money

A federal judge in Seattle this week blocked the Trump administration’s termination of more than $9 million for climate work in Washington state.

bit.ly

Despite a slower start to the season, more fires ignited across our landscapes this summer than last year, and more than 250,000 acres burned. We have to stay vigilant, that means restoring the funding we need to prevent these larger wildfires. washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/10/13/w...

WA officials take stock as wildfire season winds down • Washington State Standard

Washington state saw more individual fires than last season, but fewer acres burned, preliminary data shows. Several fires are still burning.

washingtonstatestandard.com

Yesterday, I traveled to the site of the Labor Mountain Fire, where I visited with DNR staff and incident commanders and traveled to the fireline to see our progress on this large and complicated fire.

The Seattle Times@seattletimes.com · 11mo ago

Wildfires across the state have burned through about 370 square miles, and the state has seen more fire starts this season compared to last.

My plan to conserve 77,000 acres of structurally complex forests is the biggest forest conservation action in our state in a generation - and just the first step in a bold new future for Washington's forests. www.seattletimes.com/opinion/wa-l...

WA lands commissioner's plan for legacy forests is the right one | Op-Ed

Commissioner Upthegrove's plan is a significant step toward preserving the state’s legacy forests with minimal impact on schools, DNR harvests or industry.

seattletimes.com

Many thanks to Conservation Northwest for their support to conserve thousands of acres of structurally complex forests. I couldn't be more excited to work with organizations like them as we build a more sustainable future for our forests. conservationnw.org/news-updates...

Victory for Washington’s Legacy Forests: 77,000 acres conserved

Seeing the forest for the trees, Commissioner Upthegrove delivers on campaign promises to promote ecological health in state forest management.  On

conservationnw.org

I am aware of a criminal enforcement action taken against a federal subcontractor at the Bear Gulch Fire, and also understand that two employees of this company were subsequently detained by federal immigration officials.

On Tuesday, we embarked on an exciting, new journey for the future of our forests - conserving 77,000 acres of structurally complex forests and 100 percent of our older forests.

Big thanks to the firefighters who caught multiple fires along I-90 the last couple days. Thanks to the investments in wildfire response and prevention from House Bill 1168, our crews were able to work quickly along local firefighters to catch a number of fires that could have taken off quickly.

Derelict vessels and structures are a hazard for our public waters, leaching pollutants like creosote into our waters, damaging marine life, and threatening critical ecosystems. The more of these vessels we remove from our waters, the healthier and safer they'll be. www.king5.com/article/tech...

Proactive boat recycling saves Washington waterways and resources

There are at least 300 derelict vessels sitting in state waterways.

king5.com

Excellent piece about the importance and impact of wildfire safety and preparedness. Reducing fuels, creating defensible space, and being prepared for ignitions - these are critical steps people can take to protect their homes against wildfires. www.columbiagorgenews.com/news/the-pow...

The power of preparedness: Home hardening and defensible space saves house from Burdoin Fire

BINGEN — Jeri Rutherford and Ray Backen live off Courtney Road east of Bingen, overlooking the Coyote Wall. Their actions in the years and weeks leading up to Friday, July

columbiagorgenews.com

I had the chance to speak with @fox13seattle.bsky.social about the urgent need to restore full funding for our wildfire prevention and forest health work. The state legislature cut this funding by more than half, leaving our lands more susceptible to wildfires. www.fox13seattle.com/video/168265...

Concern grows over funding cuts to WA wildfire response

Washington state is right in the middle of wildfire season, and there's growing concern over the state's ability to respond to these disasters in the future.

fox13seattle.com

The tsunami advisory is still in effect this morning for our coast. If you're on the coast, stay away from beaches and waterways, be alert and keep checking for updates. Stay current here: tsunami.gov

We’re fortunate to have some of the world’s sharpest minds working to keep Washington safe from geologic hazards like tsunamis. They’ve mapped tsunami hazards so you can know where to go for safety. If you’re near the coast, please check the maps at DNR.wa.gov/tsunami

Washington State Dept of Natural Resources@wadnr.bsky.social · last yr.

Well...this aged too well The Washington Coast is under a tsunami watch for later this evening. Please head to @emd.wa.gov and @nws.noaa.gov for live updates.