NESPELEM, Wash. (AP) — The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, contending federal agencies failed to fulfill their legally required duties before, during and after the 2015 wildfires that burned more than 375 square miles (971 square kilometers) and turned parts of the reservation into a “moonscape.” The Colville Tribes’ approximately 9,500 members rely heavily on timber revenue and other natural resources. In the lawsuit filed Wednesday, they seek compensation after the 2015 fires destroyed roughly 20% of the commercial timber on the reservation. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, and comes as wildfires this year continue to devastate the Colville Reservation in eastern Washington.
Colvilles sue federal government over 2015 wildfire damage
