Senators Murray, Cantwell, Representative McMorris Rodgers Urge President Biden to Make Major Disaster Declaration for Gray and Oregon Road Fires in Eastern Washington

Letter

Weather conditions have led to an above-normal fire risk for all of Washington state due in large part to extreme heat, unprecedented dryness, and inclement weather such as high wind. To date, there have been 1,855 fires and 155,503 acres burned and the fire season is far from over. Between August 18 and September 4, under these exacerbated fire conditions, the Gray and Oregon Road Fires ignited and rapidly expanded throughout Eastern Washington. Combined, these devastating fires burned more than 22,484 acres and forced entire towns to evacuate. Over 710 structures were destroyed, including 366 homes. In addition to extensive physical damages, these fires tragically claimed two lives.

Notably, these fires are the latest in a series of significant disasters Washington state has experienced over the last several years. Since 2018, the state has had to grapple with ten major disaster declarations, 37 Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) and 125 state fire mobilizations--all in addition to being one of the earliest states hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

While Washington state's first responders have reacted to these disasters promptly and heroically, the events triggered by the Gray and Oregon Road Fires are quickly exhausting the already-strained capacity and resources of local communities and state agencies. Consequently, we fully support Governor Inslee's request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the Gray and Oregon Road Fires that includes Individual Assistance and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

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