SPOKANE, Wash. — Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson and Rep. Michael Baumgartner sent a letter to President Donald Trump asking for approval of a major disaster declaration for the wildfires that have impacted thousands of people in eastern Washington.
“We are requesting a meeting so we can share information directly with you, discuss our request and answer any questions you may have,” the letter stated.
A major disaster declaration, if approved, would help open more funding access for communities affected by this summer’s devastating wildfires. In this declaration, the state will have to detail the overall damages and resources that were used when responding to the Spokane Complex Fire.
Gov. Ferguson already signed an emergency proclamation that suspended and waived certain laws to help people and businesses recover quicker from wildfires. People are also able to get new documents from the state Department of Licensing at no cost.
Gov. Ferguson also temporarily prohibited most evictions in affected areas.
Emergency financial assistance has also been set up for individuals and families who are trying to recover from these fires.
President Trump approved emergency assistance through FEMA earlier this month that allowed federal equipment, resources and other relief to come help eastern Washington in recovering from the wildfires.
The Spokane Complex Fire destroyed over 700 homes in eastern Washington between the three fires. Officials said nearly 11,000 structures were saved across the three fires.
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