Washington submits request for FEMA major disaster declaration after Spokane-area wildfires

Gov. Bob Ferguson announced the state is submitting "our request for a major disaster declaration to president Trump," saying the declaration is "absolutely critical" to provide federal dollars to individuals and communities damaged by recent wildfires.

Ferguson said damage assessments across four counties and the Spokane Tribe show 649 primary residences destroyed, four with major damage and 15 with minor damage, plus 2,523 homes with lower-level exterior damage. He estimated the structural losses at about $188,000,000 and said the request seeks FEMA individual assistance for Spokane, Benton, Stevens and Okanogan counties and the Spokane Tribe.

The governor said federal individual assistance can provide "up to tens of thousands of dollars" for households and that the state is also seeking FEMA public assistance to cover debris removal and emergency protective measures for 11 counties, an application the state estimates could qualify for more than $117,000,000. He noted timelines for a federal decision vary, citing a prior seven-week example, and said the state is preparing so it can move quickly if the declaration is granted.

"If the president grants access to that program, individuals will be able to apply directly with FEMA for assistance," Ferguson said, adding that FEMA makes the final determinations about who receives funds.

The press conference included mayors, tribal leaders and congressional and state officials who pledged continued advocacy in Washington, D.C., while the state pursues both federal relief and additional state-level steps to help homeowners rebuild.