(SPOKANE, WA.) — An emergency proclamation was signed on Monday, August 10 due to the ongoing fires affecting Spokane and the surrounding areas. Governor Ferguson’s emergency proclamation includes actions helping individual Washingtonians, businesses, and healthcare providers.
Photo Credit: governor.wa.gov
According to a statement from the governor, the proclamation will expand access to Washington’s disaster cash assistance program, increase access to vital documents lost in the fires, and make it easier to get unemployment benefits.
In addition, regulatory requirements for healthcare facilities and providers will be suspended, so healthcare remains accessible.
It will cover Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens, Douglas, and Yakima counties, as well as the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and the Spokane Tribe of Indians.
“My administration is laser-focused on assisting Washingtonians who have lost so much,” Governor Ferguson said. “My emergency proclamation waives and suspends numerous state laws so that help can move quickly.”
The Governor is working closely with the federal government to ensure quick action to help Washingtonians. Governor Ferguson appreciates the quick response from the federal government during this disaster.
The Trump Administration granted Governor Ferguson’s request for a federal emergency declaration for six counties and three Tribal nations in Eastern Washington as the wildfires continue to burn.
This federal aid will help local governments with costs for fire management, evacuating, and providing emergency shelters for those displaced by wildfires. It will also help with access to supplies such as emergency food and water, search and rescue operations, and more.
The emergency declaration does not provide individual assistance. That comes only after President Trump issues a major disaster declaration.
The state will seek a major disaster declaration once a comprehensive survey of the damage has been completed in coordination with local governments, FEMA and the state’s Emergency Management Division. Washington’s request is expected to be due in mid-September.
Governor Ferguson is preparing an application for a major disaster declaration.
Photo Credit: Facebook / City of Spokane Fire Dept.
The federal emergency declaration granted by President Trump brought in federal resources to assist in the response. It did not offer assistance to individuals to repair damage. That will come if President Trump grants a Major Disaster Declaration.
The Washington State Emergency Management Division is already coordinating with local governments on damage assessments.
There are three types of FEMA disaster assistance: Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation Assistance. Governor Ferguson plans to ask for all three.
OpGov.News will continue its coverage of the Spokane fires and the response from authorities.
If you would like to comment on this report, please email me at rory.h@lead4earth.org.
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