Governor signs amended emergency proclamation to waive rules and expand aid for wildfire survivors

Governor Bob Ferguson announced an amended emergency proclamation at a Spokane press conference that applies to residents affected by the wildfires across seven counties and three tribal nations and suspends or waives numerous state requirements to speed relief.

"My emergency proclamation makes everyone without insurance who lost their home eligible to receive this assistance regardless of their household income," Ferguson said, listing measures that include on-site Department of Licensing services at Shadle Park High School, no charge for vital records replacement for impacted residents, and extra time for business and professional license renewals. Ferguson said the proclamation also suspends the one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits and the weekly job-search requirement for people out of work due to the fires.

The proclamation includes housing protections intended to reduce displacement; Ferguson said it temporarily limits the ability to serve or act on eviction orders for two weeks except for immediate health or safety risks or when the owner has provided nine days’ written notice to occupy or sell. The governor said pharmacy- and hospital-related licensing rules may be relaxed so facilities and alternate care sites can operate at different locations during the emergency.

Officials said the Department of Health and Department of Licensing will provide on-site services to replace lost IDs and vital records and that those services will be free for people impacted by the fires. The proclamation directs state agencies to submit reports within 30 days identifying statutes or regulations that could be waived to streamline rebuilding and permitting for homeowners and businesses.