Benton County Added to Wildfire State of Emergency Proclamation
Benton County has been added to the counties eligible for aid to recover from Washington's devastating wildfires.
The State of Emergency Expansion Now Includes 12 Counties and 3 Tribal Nations
On Monday, Governor Bob Ferguson added Benton, Columbia, Grant, Kittitas and Whitman counties to Washington's Wildfire Emergency Proclamation.
“Wildfires have destroyed Washingtonians’ homes across a broad geographic area,” Governor Ferguson said. “We remain laser-focused on assisting Washingtonians who have lost so much. My emergency proclamation extends important protections and expands eligibility to ensure everyone impacted can seek the help they need.”
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The five counties join Chelan, Okanogan, Ferry, Spokane, Stevens, Douglas, and Yakima counties with the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and the Spokane Tribe of Indians.
The State Individual Assistance Program and the Family Emergency Assistance Program are extended for another 60 days.
Housing Protections Are Also Extended
Landlords cannot treat wildfire displacement as abandonment, and tenants can't be evicted for taking in people and pets displaced by the fires.
The proclamation activated $1 million in Disaster Cash Assistance to help residents meet basic needs. People who lost driver's licenses, ID cards, and other important documents in the fires can obtain FREE replacements.
The proclamation includes a statewide prohibition on most outdoor and agricultural burning through September 30, 2026.
Governor Ferguson Prepared a Request for FEMA Assistance
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Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF
