FEMA Assistance for Eastern WA Wildfire Survivors: Apply Now!

Photo byMarcus KauffmanonUnsplash

Eastern Washington wildfire survivors can apply for federal assistance starting today, the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner reports.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced on Feb. 20 (www.fema.gov) that federal dollars will be available for Spokane County residents affected by last year's Gray and Oregon Road wildfires that erupted from Aug. 18 to 25, according to the OIC.

Combined, the fires burned 369 homes and some 21,000 acres, killing two people, the OIC reports.

FEMA disaster assistance can't duplicate benefits from insurance, state, or other programs, the OIC reports further. Residents whose losses go beyond what’s available may be eligible for additional funds, according to the OIC.

An OIC representative will be onsite at the Medical Lake Disaster Recovery Center in Medical Lake City Hall (124 S. Lefevre St.) and at the Elk Disaster Recovery Center at Country Church of the Open Bible (40015 N. Collins Rd.) starting Thursday at 8:30 a.m.

Hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. to Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in addition to Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Interested parties can visit the Spokane Region Long Term Recovery Group page (srltrg.org) for more information.