FEMA grants governor's request for emergency declaration for wildfires in Eastern Washington

Fire destroyed neighborhood in Spokane
Photo courtesy The Other 98%

Declaration unlocks assistance for six counties and three Tribal nations to respond to fires

OLYMPIA – Governor Bob Ferguson announced today that the federal government has granted his request for an emergency declaration for the devastating wildfires burning in Eastern Washington. The declaration allows our federal partners to mobilize their resources and personnel to support our response, and unlocks resources for state, local and tribal governments.

The declaration covers Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens and Yakima counties, as well as the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Spokane Tribe of Indians.

It unlocks help for local governments with costs for evacuating and providing emergency shelters for people who are displaced by the wildfires. It also provides assistance for emergency food and water, search and rescue operations and more.

The Governor’s request was granted in full with the exception of debris removal.