President Trump’s emergency declaration for the state of Washington enables FEMA to directly support the state’s ongoing response to wildfires.
- Washington state is leading the response to these wildfires. This declaration allows FEMA to supplement state efforts to save lives and protect property and public health and safety.
- This declaration does not include financial assistance or reimbursements to individuals, families, local jurisdictions, tribes, or state entities.
- Under this declaration, the state requests assistance directly from FEMA, and FEMA works with the state and other federal partners to identify the best way to support response priorities. Local and tribal governments must work with the state to elevate any threats to lives, property and public health and safety.
- The state may request direct federal assistance to support activities such as sheltering and feeding; emergency route clearance; search and rescue; provision of commodities such as food and water; emergency temporary power restoration; and emergency communication support for first responders.
- This declaration authorizes direct federal assistance to supplement state response activities for the wildfires that started on Aug. 1, in Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens and Yakima counties, and on the tribal lands of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and Spokane Tribe of Indians.
- The state is responsible for paying 25% of the cost of any direct federal assistance provided under the emergency declaration.