VIDEO/PHOTOS: Wildfires burning across Eastern Washington have forced thousands of people from their homes, including in the Spokane Valley, where the Upriver Fire has already destroyed multiple homes and prompted a request for federal assistance.
Gov. Bob Ferguson requested a Fire Management Assistance Declaration from FEMA to gain access to federal funds to help fight the Upriver Fire burning in the Spokane Valley on Tuesday night. On Wednesday afternoon, Ferguson announced FEMA approved the request.
The Upriver Fire continues to burn through trees and vegetation and has grown to about 222 acres with about 10% containment, according to Ryan Rodruck, a wildfire communications manager with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
A new video showed firefighters hosing down several homes consumed by the flames. Around 12,000 people were under Level 3 “Go Now” or Level 2 “Get Ready” evacuation orders as of Wednesday afternoon. One evacuee, Amy, said, “I never thought that I would leave my house this morning and maybe not be able to come back to it.”
KOMO-TV ABC 4 Seattle
KOMO-TV ABC 4 Seattle
The post Ferguson says FEMA aid approved as Upriver Fire destroys homes, spurs evacuations appeared first on Daily Dispatch.