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County rep recalls 2023 Gray and Oregon Road fire response; credits state and federal coordination
Summary
Chris Jordan and Luke Jasmine III discussed the county's emergency response to the 2023 Gray and Oregon Road fires, state involvement and efforts to unlock federal disaster assistance with support from U.S. senators.
Chris Jordan and Luke Jasmine III reviewed Spokane County’s response to the 2023 Gray and Oregon Road fires and described state and federal coordination that supported recovery efforts.
Jordan said the county quickly declared a state of emergency for the Elk and Medical Lake areas and worked with the governor’s office to brief state officials and unlock resources for debris removal and recovery. He credited work to secure federal disaster assistance with help from U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and former Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers.
Jasmine recalled Gov. Jay Inslee returning from travel to be on the ground and said that a central role of his office is elevating issues to the governor and ensuring resources are deployed. “We were able to do things from debris removal to, I mean, whatever is needed to help folks,” Jasmine said.
Why it matters: Rapid coordination among county, state and federal officials affects the speed and scope of debris removal and recovery for residents affected by wildfires. Jordan emphasized continuing recovery work and the long road ahead.
The interview provided a retrospective account of response coordination; it did not announce new recovery funding or specific timelines for remaining work.
Looking ahead: Jordan and Jasmine said recovery will continue and that the governor’s office remains engaged in supporting county needs as they pursue federal disaster assistance and local rebuilding efforts.
