SPOKANE, Wash. — US Senator Patty Murray visited Spokane on Thursday to meet with health officials and firefighters about supporting families displaced by the firestorm.
During a meeting with CHAS Health, Murray discussed how the organization assisted evacuated families during the fires. CHAS reports that 15 of its employees lost homes to the firestorm. Afterward, the Senator said fire prevention is one priority for her.
“Prevention is a huge part of it. We’ve made some progress in that direction, but obviously, we need to do more. Because, as every firefighter has told me, it’s no longer a ‘fire season’, it’s a ‘fire year’,” Murray said.
Senator Murray identified forest management as another focus she plans to take to the federal government. She expressed concern about the reduction in federal funding for scientific research that could help communities better understand and prepare for future firestorms.
“It’s a number of things. One of it, is forest management. Obviously, we have to be doing everything we can learn as much as we can. I am worried about a number of the federal resources that have gone away from scientific research. That will help give us that knowledge,” Murray said.
The Senator also met with fire chiefs to discuss grant programs that help departments replace aging fire engines and maintain communication systems.
“Fire chiefs that I talked to today are very concerned about a number of the grant programs that help them replace fire engines and, and have the right kind of communication available,” Murray said.
Senator Murray also raised alarm about staffing shortages in firefighting agencies.
“One of the things I am most concerned about is under this administration, a number of the fire personnel have been let go and have making sure that we have the number of people available to fight fires,” Murray said.
Among those affected by the fires is Devon Traylor, an employee at CHAS Health who lost his home. Despite his loss, Traylor continued to help at the Shadle Resource Center.
“In 30 minutes, the fire had reached across the street to where I lived…and I just opened my garage…and there was smoke and fire and flames,” Traylor said.
Murray said she plans to follow up with the Trump administration after Governor Bob Ferguson requests a major disaster declaration. If approved, it would help fire victims in the long term by receiving money to rebuild.
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