- President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration for Washington state, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate federal disaster relief efforts for the Spokane wildfires.
- Under the declaration, the federal government would take on 75% of eligible costs.
- Funding is available for Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens and Yakima counties, plus the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and Spokane Tribe of Indians.
- Washington Governor Bob Ferguson and the state’s congressional delegation had been lobbying the Trump administration for federal support.
- Before the declaration, FEMA had authorized federal funds for firefighting costs for the Old Trails, Fairview and Autumn Lane fires in Spokane County and the Sinlahekin fire in Okanogan County, but those grants do not cover infrastructure damage or individual homes and businesses.
President Donald Trump has approved an emergency declaration for Washington state in response to the devastating Spokane wildfires, enabling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate disaster relief efforts.12
FEMA will cover 75% of eligible costs for affected counties, including Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens, and Yakima, as well as the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and Spokane Tribe of Indians.34
Gov. Bob Ferguson and Washington's congressional delegation have been actively lobbying for federal support, which was granted after FEMA authorized federal funds for firefighting costs related to the Old Trails, Fairview, and Autumn Lane fires in Spokane County, along with the Sinlahekin fire in Okanogan County.567
However, the initial grants provided by FEMA are specifically for firefighting efforts and do not cover infrastructure damage or assistance for individual homes and businesses affected by the fires.
The emergency declaration aims to alleviate the impact of the wildfires, which have caused significant damage and disruption in the region, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by communities in the wake of natural disasters.
“Under the emergency declaration, funding is available for Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens, and Yakima counties, as well as several Native American tribes. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson and the state's congressional delegation had been lobbying for this federal support to alleviate the impact of the wildfires.”
