Governor Seeking Federal Help To Fund Fire Fight

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Gov. Jay Inslee is requesting a federal emergency declaration to provide more help to pay for fighting the many wildfires burning in Washington state.

The governor's Wednesday request was sent to President Barack Obama through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It says that 11 counties and four tribes are affected or threatened by fires.

Authorities say three firefighters were killed and three to four others were injured Wednesday as raging wildfires advanced on the towns of Twisp and Winthrop in north-central Washington.

Officials say fires in Washington have already destroyed more than 50 homes, 60 other structures, and burned more than 360 square miles of land.