STATE GOVERNMENT
Stay informed, safe amid deadly wildfires
(Aug. 20, 2015) — As wildfires continue to ravage central Washington and force thousands to evacuate their homes, three firefighters were killed near Twisp on Wednesday when their vehicle was overtaken by the wind-whipped flames.
“We are devastated by the tragic loss of three of our Forest Service firefighters,” said Mike Williams, Forest Supervisor on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and fellow crew members of these brave firefighters.”
Four other firefighters were injured Wednesday, including a Forest Service employee, two state Department of Natural Resources firefighters and a DNR contractor.
The governor’s website lists the following resources for staying informed and staying safe amid the devastating wildfires.
Wildfire status updates
- Report a forest fire: 800-562-6010
- Wildfire location and status updates
- Northwest Interagency Coordination Center updates
- Chelan County Emergency Management updates
- Okanogan County Emergency Management updates
- Stevens County updates
Shelter and housing resources
- Red Cross shelters
Current information on Red Cross shelter openings also available on their mobile app. - Temporary housing: Those who have lost their homes can qualify for aid or temporary housing. Assistance is available to migrant farmworkers. To learn more, you can access the full list of programs online.
- Washington State Animal Response Team emergency shelters
Updates from the State
- Governor’s Office updates
- Washington Emergency Management Division updates
- Washington Department of Transportation travel updates
- Wildfire smoke and air quality updates
- Drinking water alerts for areas affected by wildfires
- Declaration of Emergency from Governor’s Office
State and federal resources
Agriculture-related losses: Contact your local USDA Farm Service Agency office to report agriculture-related losses.
Business assistance: If your business was impacted by wildfire, the Dept. of Commerce has resources that can help.
Driver license and document replacement: If you or someone you know lost their driver license or ID card, the Dept. of Licensing is offering expedited services for individuals affected by the wildfires. The service is available online, by phone (360.902.0172), or in person.
Finances: Resources for handling finances after a natural disaster.
Food and cash assistance: The DSHS Community Services Office in Wenatchee is open and serving clients who may need replacement food and cash assistance as a result of the wildfires. Call 1-800-209-5446 for more information.
Health insurance: Apple Health (Medicaid) clients affected by the wildfires who have questions or problems can call their regional enrollment specialists for help:
- East Wenatchee: Located at Chelan-Douglas Health Dept. Call 509-860-5590 or 509-886-6419
- Omak: Located at Mid-Valley Hospital. Call 509-826-8186
- Republic: Located at Republic Medical Clinic. Call 509-775-3153, ext. 497
- Wenatchee: Located at Columbia Valley Community Health. Call 509-661-3651
Insurance coverage: Anyone with questions about insurance coverage related to wildfires can call the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) at 1-800-562-6900 to speak with experts. OIC has tips for filing a claim after a natural disaster and information for homeowners about wildfires and their insurance.
Lost livestock assistance: Those that lost livestock in the wildfires may qualify for help from U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Livestock Indemnity Program.
Prescriptions and medical supplies: If Apple Health (Medicaid) clients need medical supplies, medical equipment, or medications that have been lost or destroyed by fire, or have become inaccessible due to evacuation, the Health Care Authority is authorizing providers to furnish these without pre-authorization.
Protect your home from wildfires by creating defensible space.
State park burn ban alerts by park.
State park closures: Stay up to date via State Parks Twitter or Facebook.
Tax assistance:
- Businesses affected by the wildfires can file for a tax filing extension.
- Penalty waivers are available for those who cannot pay taxes on time.
- Property owners can also file for property tax relief.
Tree grower assistance: Growers who lost trees to wildfires may qualify for help from U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Tree Assistant Program.
Unemployment assistance: Workers and businesses impacted by wildfires may qualify for unemployment benefits or assistance.
Veteran assistance: Veterans who have been affected by wildfires and need help should contact their County Veterans Program.
What you can do
Red Cross: You can donate to the Red Cross or ask about volunteer opportunities. Any amount is helpful. Call 1-800-RedCross or donate online.
State employees can donate to the wildfire relief campaign online or through their pay checks through the Combined Fund Drive Wildfire Relief Campaign
Social media related to #waWILDFIRE
- #waWILDFIRE on Twitter
- Governor Inslee on Twitter and Facebook
- Photos from the Governor’s Office
- Red Cross Northwest on Twitter
- WA Dept. of Ecology on Twitter and Facebook
- WA Dept. of Health on Twitter and Facebook
- WA Dept. of Natural Resources on Twitter and Facebook
- WA Emergency Management Division on Twitter and Facebook
- WA National Guard on Twitter and Facebook
- WA State Patrol Public Information Officer on Twitter
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