Governor Bob Ferguson requested a federal Major Disaster Declaration for Eastern Washington following devastating wildfires in late July and early August 2026. The fires destroyed 649 homes, damaged 2,542 others, and burned nearly 369,000 acres across four counties and the Spokane Tribe of Indians Reservation.
If approved, the request would unlock an estimated $11.2 million in individual assistance for survivors in Benton, Okanogan, Spokane, and Stevens counties and the Spokane Tribe. The program provides a maximum of $42,500 per person. Ferguson also requested $117.7 million in federal public assistance funds to cover debris cleanup and emergency response costs across 11 counties.
At an announcement in Spokane, Ferguson outlined state-level actions to support recovery. He directed the state Building Code Council to allow homeowners rebuilding damaged properties to use earlier energy code standards, reducing construction costs. He also proposed legislation to offer sales and use tax rebates for rebuilding expenses.
Ferguson signed an amendment to his emergency proclamation to waive state building permit fees in affected counties, grant permit exemptions for debris removal, and eliminate caps on emergency public works grants for affected cities and counties. The state previously designated $2.5 million in individual assistance and emergency cash assistance, distributing nearly $1 million to more than 600 households so far.
Spokane County experienced the most severe damage, with 615 homes destroyed and more than 65,000 people evacuated. Okanogan County saw 12 homes destroyed as fires burned more than 300,000 acres. Stevens County had 14 homes destroyed across more than 19,000 acres burned. Benton County had one home destroyed. On the Spokane Tribe of Indians Reservation, seven homes were destroyed and 4,000 acres burned.
Ferguson's request is supported by all members of Washington's congressional delegation and leaders of all four state legislative caucuses.