Five More Counties Included In Washington’s Wildfire Proclamation

Governor Bob Ferguson has expanded Washington’s wildfire emergency proclamation to five more counties.  Benton, Columbia, Grant, Kittitas and Whitman counties are now covered, bringing the total to 12 counties and three Tribal Nations.

The governor's office says the expansion extends state assistance for people who lost their homes, including cash assistance for immediate needs like food and temporary housing.  It also expands emergency family assistance to households without children, and allows eligible families to receive that help each month if needed.

Two housing protections are also extended through September 30th.  Landlords cannot treat wildfire displacement as abandonment, or evict tenants for taking in wildfire evacuees and their pets.

The five new counties added today join 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. 

“Wildfires have destroyed Washingtonians’ homes across a broad geographic area,” 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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