Washington officials ask FEMA for short-term aid as Spokane complex fires burn

Governor Bob Ferguson requested immediate federal assistance for communities hit by the Spokane complex fires, saying state leaders had just spoken with the White House and FEMA and that a short-term emergency request was already submitted.

"So the request has gone in for that short term, what we call emergency assistance, from the administration," Governor Bob Ferguson said, adding that the state will simultaneously begin work on longer-term assistance. Ferguson said the request includes search-and-rescue teams, housing help, meals and debris removal and that he expects a fast federal response similar to prior flood support.

Why it matters: thousands were evacuated in and around Spokane, and officials said the scope of damage is still being assessed. Senator Maria Cantwell, who joined the briefing, said the U.S. chief forester had identified the Spokane complex as the top fire in the nation, which she said should help prioritize federal resources for the region.

Senator Maria Cantwell said federal coordination is mobilizing and that the region should expect prioritized support from multiple federal agencies.

Officials said the state and local governments will compile damage and loss information to support the federal request and that they will follow up with additional details as incident-assessment teams report findings. Governor Ferguson asked local officials to prepare visual evidence and supporting documentation to strengthen the federal application. The state pledged continuing briefings as FEMA and other partners process the request.