State and federal offices pledge support as county coordinates evacuations and recovery

Representatives for two U.S. senators and a congressman told the Spokane County board they are monitoring the wildfires and stand ready to help. Lizette Garvey, Senator Patty Murray's Eastern Washington director, said the senator's team is in close communication with city and county officials and offered assistance; Garvey noted she is near Fairchild and Espanola and will keep watch.

A state director for Senator Maria Cantwell echoed the offer of support and said "we are glad that initial FEMA funds were released to help with fighting the fire" and that the office will assist with recovery. Congressman Michael Baumgartner thanked local officials, urged residents to rely on county emergency information and directed constituents to an Eastern Washington wildfire resources kit at "baumgartner.house.gov/services." He said elected officials will work across parties to seek federal support for recovery when appropriate.