Gov. Inslee issues proclamation to aid families impacted by wildfires

Gov. Jay Inslee issued a proclamation Thursday to provide aid to Washington families who have been impacted by wildfires. The program provides cash assistance for their immediate needs.

>>‘An unprecedented event’: Around 480,000 acres have burned in Washington since Monday

The governor’s action comes in response to the damage caused by the fires, some of which are still burning across the state.

According to the proclamation, the aid will be provided through the State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

“For families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and now the devastating wildfires ravaging our state, funding from the Family Emergency Assistance Program can be, quite literally, a lifesaver,” Inslee said. “The state will continue to look for ways to support communities as we work together to recover from multiple economic and health emergencies.”

The governor issued the State of Emergency for all counties as a result of the ongoing wildfires, dry weather conditions and “periods of exceptionally high temperatures” that are creating the high-risk conditions, sparking fires.

Inslee previously issued a statewide emergency proclamation due to fires in eastern and central Washington. However, the fires have only gotten worse and due to recent weather conditions, around 480,000 acres have burned since Monday.

According to a release by the governor, “The threat to life and property from wildfires is extreme and has, and could continue to cause, damage to homes, public facilities, businesses, public utilities, infrastructure, agriculture, and natural resources impacting the life and health of citizens throughout Washington, all of which affect life, health, property, or the public peace, and is a public disaster demanding immediate action.”

Click here to read Inslee’s full proclamation.

Cox Media Group