Gov. Bob Ferguson announced federal approval of a public health emergency expanding care for Washington communities affected by wildfires. (Photo: Spokane Valley Fire Department)
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Gov. Bob Ferguson announced Friday that the federal government approved his request for a public health emergency covering communities affected by Washington’s devastating wildfires.
The approval from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services gives health agencies and providers more flexibility to help displaced residents. It can speed up medication replacements, reduce paperwork and allow patients to receive care outside traditional health care settings.
“I spoke to Secretary Kennedy to urge him to approve this request,” Ferguson said. “I’m grateful for his quick action. This declaration allows us to eliminate red tape and helps impacted Washingtonians get the services they need faster.”
About 60,000 people have faced evacuation orders since the fires erupted Saturday. As of Monday morning, officials reported no confirmed deaths or missing people. However, Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown said crews were still assessing whether anyone had died.
“There are just so many Washingtonians that literally lost everything in a very, very short period of time,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said during a Sunday afternoon news conference. “Just in a matter of hours, their lives changed in deeply dramatic and fundamental ways. And so it’s difficult to find words when folks have experienced a loss like that.”
“Today’s public health emergency declaration will be a huge help.”
GOV. BOB FERGUSON
Federal Approval Expands Access to Care
The public health emergency covers Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens and Yakima counties.
It also covers the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Spokane Tribe of Indians.
Those are the same communities covered by the federal emergency declaration Washington received Aug. 4.
For residents, the latest approval means a wildfire evacuation or the loss of a home should not bring essential health care to a halt.
People who lost medication, respiratory equipment or other medical supplies can receive replacements faster. Meanwhile, displaced residents can receive home health services at shelters, hotels or other temporary locations.
Hospitals can also establish temporary treatment sites and offer virtual care when needed. Additionally, providers may pause some prior authorization requirements for medication and treatment.
“Today’s public health emergency declaration will be a huge help,” Ferguson said. “I appreciate Secretary Kennedy reaching out to me yesterday to chat about this critical declaration. His team worked quickly to get it done.”
Help for Older Adults and People With Disabilities
The declaration also aims to protect services for older adults and people with disabilities.
Those services include rehabilitation, skilled nursing care and help with medication. Residents may also continue receiving assistance with bathing, dressing, mobility, shopping, meal preparation and housekeeping.
The Department of Health can temporarily adjust inspection, credentialing and reporting requirements as well. That gives health care providers more time to care for patients while fire conditions disrupt normal operations.
The state Department of Health, Department of Social and Health Services and Health Care Authority have coordinated their response since the fires began.
State agencies are also working with Tribal governments and Tribal health organizations to identify urgent needs in affected communities.
“Washingtonians should know that all levels of government are working closely to ensure Washingtonians get all the support we can muster during this crisis,” Ferguson said.
Approval Comes During Massive Fire Response
The federal approval comes as more than 1,500 firefighters and support personnel battle the Autumn Lane, Old Trails and Fairview fires in Spokane and Stevens counties.
The three fires have burned a combined 10,363 acres and damaged or destroyed an estimated 846 structures. Firefighters reported no additional growth Thursday, although dangerous weather could challenge containment work through Saturday.
Crews from more than 20 states and 100 jurisdictions have joined the response.
Spokane Valley Fire Department crews recently spent 24 hours assigned to the Autumn Lane Fire. At about 9 p.m. Sunday, firefighters responded to a flare-up near West Rutter Parkway and found trees torching nearly 40 feet into the air.
Crews went door to door to notify nearby residents to evacuate. They then worked alongside Spokane County Fire District 9 to protect homes until a Utah strike team relieved them the next morning.
Officials warned that burned neighborhoods continue to contain hidden dangers. Those hazards include hot ash pits, hazardous materials and fire-weakened trees that could fall without warning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Home health services can temporarily follow displaced residents to shelters, hotels and other locations.
It covers Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens and Yakima counties. It also includes the Yakama Nation, Colville Reservation and Spokane Tribe of Indians.
No. The public health emergency is a separate approval focused on health care access. However, it covers the same counties and Tribal nations as the Aug. 4 emergency declaration.
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