Gov. Chris Gregoire says the wildfire burning near Cle Elum is a priority for the Washington State Patrol and the state Emergency Management Department.

She says she's also monitoring the work of the Department of Natural Resources and is in contact for any assistance it may need.

In addition the state Department of Corrections has contributed more than 140 prison inmates on the fire lines.

State fire assistance was mobilized Monday in response to a request from Kittitas County Fire District 7. The Federal Emergency Management Agency agreed Tuesday to assist with funds from a program for uncontrolled wildfires.