Gov. Bob Ferguson thanked President Donald Trump on Wednesday for approval of federal disaster assistance for the catastrophic damage caused by wildfires in Spokane.
In a letter addressed to Trump and posted to social media, Ferguson said he “deeply” appreciated how quickly Trump responded to a request for emergency assistance and extended an invitation for the president or anyone from his administration “to witness the devastation firsthand, meet Washingtonians who have lost so much, and join me in thanking our heroic first responders.”
The White House did not respond to a request for comment.
Ferguson first spoke with Trump on Sunday after wildfires ravaged Spokane and forced thousands of evacuations Saturday. By Tuesday, the Trump administration approved the request, allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate and provide relief efforts.
Federal money will be used for evacuations, search-and-rescue operations, emergency shelters and food and water, Ferguson said Tuesday.
The funding has been made available for Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens and Yakima counties. Aid is also available for the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and Spokane Tribe of Indians.
Tens of thousands of Washingtonians remained out of their homes as of Wednesday. More than 700 structures, including homes, have burned since the fires first broke out over the weekend.
On Wednesday, a new fire sparked just west of Spokane, prompting a brief evacuation order.
Earlier this week, members of the Washington state delegation urged the administration to issue an expedited emergency declaration.
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