Wildfire Resources - Cathy McMorris Rodgers

Communities in Eastern Washington are all too familiar with wildfires. While fires aren’t new to us, the growing frequency and intensity of fires is creating devastating impacts for our communities.

Below is a list of federal, state, and local resources to help keep you and your families safe and help you recover from wildfires. Please contact my office at 509-353-2374 should you or a loved one need assistance or guidance. In addition to these resources, I encourage you to follow guidance from state, county, and local officials, including firefighters, law enforcement, the Red Cross, and others.

Small Business Administration low-interest federal disaster loans are available to Washington businesses and residents. Click here to learn more and apply.
- Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.
- Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
- If you need assistance, please contact the SBA at (800) 659-2955.
Housing and Urban Development resources, including mortgage assistance, are available here. You can learn more by calling (800) 304-9320.
Agriculture-related losses: Contact your local USDA Farm Service Agency office to report agriculture-related losses.
Flooding: The risk of flooding increases after wildfire. To learn how to prepare for flooding in your neighborhood, visit FEMA’s FloodSmart webpage.
Lost livestock assistance: Those that lost livestock in the wildfires may qualify for help from U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Livestock Indemnity Program.
Tree grower assistance: Growers who lost trees to wildfires may qualify for help from U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Tree Assistant Program.
Protect your home from wildfires by creating defensible space.

Washington Dept. of Natural Resources: You can stay up to date on DNR Wildfire’s twitter. More info on wildfires on their webpage and their burn risk map.
Business assistance: If your business is impacted by wildfire, the Department of Commerce has resources that can help.
Driver license and document replacement: If you or someone you know loses their driver license or ID card, the Department of Licensing is offering expedited services for individuals affected by the wildfires. The service is available online, by phone (360.902.0172), or in person.
Finances: Resources for preparing financially for a natural disaster.
Health insurance: Apple Health (Medicaid) clients affected by wildfires who have questions or problems can call their regional enrollment specialists for help.
Insurance coverage: Anyone with questions about insurance coverage related to wildfires can call the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) at 1-800-562-6900 to speak with experts. OIC has tips for filing a claim after a natural disaster and information for homeowners about wildfires and their insurance.
Tax assistance:
- Businesses affected by wildfires can request a tax filing extension.
- Penalty waivers are available for those who cannot pay taxes on time.
- Property owners can also file for property tax relief.
Artists: If you’re an artist and your work is impacted by a wildfire, visit the WA Arts Commission page for more info.

*Air quality index here (lookup by city).

Veteran assistance: Veterans who have been affected by wildfires and need help should contact their County Veterans Program.

Asotin County:

Columbia County:

Spokane County:

Walla Walla County:

Whitman County:

Stevens County:

Pend Oreille County:

Lincoln County:

Ferry County:

Garfield County:

Emergency Management webpage

Adams County

Franklin County