Washington Asks Trump Administration for Wildfire Disaster Aid

Washington is asking the federal government for major disaster assistance after devastating wildfires destroyed hundreds of homes and damaged thousands more across Eastern Washington. Gov. Bob Ferguson formally asked President Donald Trump to approve a federal Major Disaster Declaration following the 2026 Washington wildfires. A preliminary damage assessment conducted by the Washington State Emergency Management Division, FEMA and local jurisdictions found that the fires destroyed 649 primary residences, damaged another 2,542 homes and burned nearly 369,000 acres. Spokane County suffered the greatest residential destruction. State officials say 615 primary residences were destroyed there as three fires burned more than 9,900 acres and forced more than 65,000 people to evacuate. Ferguson's request seeks FEMA Individual Assistance for wildfire survivors in Spokane, Benton, Stevens and Okanogan counties, along with the Spokane Tribe of Indians. If the Major Disaster Declaration is approved, eligible Washington residents could receive federal assistance for expenses including temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster-related costs. Washington estimates the request could unlock approximately $11.2 million in Individual Assistance for wildfire survivors. The state is also requesting FEMA Public Assistance for debris removal and emergency response costs across additional impacted counties. Washington estimates approximately $117.7 million could be available for those costs. The request comes as families continue struggling to recover from the devastating fires. Brianna Kammerer, a single mother of four whose home was badly damaged, says her family remains in temporary housing because their house is uninhabitable. Kammerer says much of the family's property was lost because of fire-related damage and contamination, leaving them facing uncertainty over insurance coverage and the cost of rebuilding their lives. The Trump administration previously approved an emergency declaration for Washington during the active wildfire response. The Major Disaster Declaration now being requested would provide additional assistance focused on longer-term recovery for individuals, communities and governments affected by the fires. Today's report examines Washington's request for federal wildfire disaster assistance, the destruction across Spokane County and Eastern Washington, FEMA recovery programs and the families still working to rebuild after the 2026 Washington wildfires. Follow The Center Square for continuing coverage of Washington wildfires, Spokane wildfire recovery, FEMA disaster assistance, Gov. Bob Ferguson, President Donald Trump, Eastern Washington, emergency management and state government. Want the next important update by text? Get the Washington state government and policy developments worth your attention sent straight to your phone. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016 or sign up here: https://joinsubtext.com/c/thecentersquarewa Msg & data rates may apply. #WashingtonWildfires #Spokane #FEMA #WashingtonState #BobFerguson #Wildfire #DisasterRelief #EasternWashington #SpokaneCounty #FederalAid #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus