Spokane leaders seek federal help as "Spokane complex" fires devastate region

Mayor Lisa Brown opened a news briefing saying the area was facing "the worst natural disaster our region has faced, the Spokane complex of fires," and pledged city support for residents displaced by the fires. She thanked first responders and said recovery had already begun.

Gov. Bob Ferguson said state leaders made an immediate request to FEMA for short-term emergency assistance — search and rescue, debris clearing and other immediate needs — and that the state is beginning work on longer-term federal relief. "We anticipate that [short-term assistance] will be granted much in the same way it was for the flood," he said, adding that state officials prepared both written documentation and visual evidence to support the request.

Sen. Maria Cantwell urged patience and said the U.S. Forest Service had indicated the Spokane complex was a top-priority fire nationally, increasing federal support. "It is the top fire in our nation," she said, and officials should expect prioritized resources for the region.

Police and fire chiefs and county officials described large-scale evacuations, sheltering and security operations and said damage and cost estimates are not yet available. Mayor Brown said shelters and a 24/7 navigation center are active and that an inventory of water and wastewater assets is being compiled to share with federal partners.

Officials closed the briefing by reminding residents to follow evacuation orders and to use official channels for assistance and reporting; the next public update was scheduled for the following day.