Spokane, Wash. – The Gray and Oregon Road wildfires that struck Spokane County in August led to the evacuation of hundreds of residents and the destruction of more than 360 structures. Farmers and businesses lost livestock, equipment, and barns worth millions of dollars. The fires caused an estimated loss of $166 million in assessed property value alone.
Since the Federal Disaster Declaration was signed, federal resources have flowed into the area to help residents affected by the wildfires. As of May 16, FEMA has disbursed $3,045,530 in federal assistance to eligible individual homeowners, renters and businesses, both insured and underinsured. That number represents:
- $2,458,074 in housing assistance grants, including short-term rental assistance and home-repair costs
- $587,456 for other essential disaster-related needs, such as expenses related to medical, dental and lost personal possessions.
Assistance has been provided to 334 households. Homeowners may receive up to $42,500 to cover costs not reimbursed by insurance. In Spokane County, 35 households have been approved for the maximum grant amount.
More than 305 home inspections have been completed to assess property damage. After logging 1,021 survivor visits, FEMA’s two Disaster Recovery Centers in Medical Lake and Elk have closed, a sign that most survivors who needed face-to-face help have been served. At the centers, residents met in person with representatives from federal and state programs and local organizations for recovery help.
In addition to FEMA grants, a total of $20,896,700 has been approved in home and business loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofits.
The deadlines to apply with FEMA and SBA have passed. However, if you have applied, stay in touch. Keep your federal partners up-to-date on any changes in your circumstances or contact information and, for FEMA applicants, the current status of your insurance settlements.
Most importantly, ask any questions that may arise concerning your recovery.
To stay in touch with FEMA:
- Visit disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-3362. People who use a relay service, captioned telephone service or other assistive service should give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available.
To stay in touch with the SBA:
- Visit sba.gov/disaster, email the SBA at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or call 800-659-2955.
In partnership with the State of Washington, Spokane County and local officials, FEMA will continue helping individuals and families get back on their feet and into secure housing until the job is done.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.