SPOKANE, Wash. — Governor Bob Ferguson requested a federal Major Disaster Declaration from President Donald Trump on Monday following devastating wildfires in Eastern Washington that destroyed 649 homes and burned nearly 369,000 acres.
“These fast-moving wildfires devastated communities around our state, and overwhelmed state and local response capabilities,” Ferguson said. “Whole neighborhoods are gone, and communities have been changed forever. Federal financial assistance is critical to help these communities recover and rebuild.”
Ferguson requested FEMA Individual Assistance funds for survivors in four counties and the Spokane Tribe of Indians. If approved, residents could qualify for an estimated $11.2 million in funds, with a maximum of $42,500 per individual. He also requested FEMA Public Assistance funds for debris cleanup and emergency response costs, which could total $117.7 million.
Ferguson announced three state actions to accelerate recovery: allowing homeowners to rebuild to earlier energy code standards, proposing sales tax rebates for rebuilding costs (a homeowner spending $400,000 in Spokane could qualify for approximately $36,000), and waiving building permit fees in affected counties.
Spokane County sustained the most destruction with 615 primary residences destroyed and 65,000 people evacuated. Okanogan County experienced more than 300,000 acres burned, Stevens County saw more than 19,000 acres burned with 14 homes destroyed, and the Spokane Tribe of Indians Reservation had seven homes destroyed and 4,000 acres burned.
“The Board of County Commissioners stands united with the Governor in his request for a Major Disaster Declaration by the President and FEMA,” Spokane County Commission Chair Mary Brooks said.
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