State Cash Assistance Available for Those Impacted by Fires

State Cash Assistance Available for Those Impacted by Fires

CAMP MURRAY, WA - Individuals whose homes were significantly damaged or destroyed by recent fires in central and eastern Washington can now apply for state assistance to help with immediate needs such as temporary housing, food, or other personal expenses.

The state has $1.5 million available for Household Needs Grants through the state Individual Assistance (State IA) program. Grants range from $750 for a one-person household to $2,250 for households of five or more.

"Losing your home to a fire is devastating, and no family should have to worry about how they will pay for the basics in the days and weeks that follow," Gov. Bob Ferguson said. "This assistance can help with those immediate needs, things like a place to stay, food, and small repairs, so families can focus on getting back on their feet."

Who Can Apply

People whose homes were lost or severely damaged by the recent fires are encouraged to apply for a Household Needs Grant regardless of their income or whether they have insurance.

To qualify for a Household Needs Grant, applicants must:

• Live in an eligible county or Tribal nation: Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens, or Yakima counties and lands of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, or Spokane Tribe of Indians.
• Show that their primary residence was destroyed or majorly damaged per FEMA's Preliminary Damage Assessment Guide as a result of fires that occurred on Aug. 1, 2026, or later.
• The damage was caused by one of the following fires: Autumn Lane, Old Trails, Fairview, Kaiser Canyon, Modrite, Sinlahekin, Bradeen Hill, Hudspeth, Little Giant, Ptarmigan, Ransier/White Swan, Signal Peak, or Mitre Rock.

Eligible households can receive:

• $750 for a one-person household
• $1,500 for a household of two to four people
• $2,250 for a household of five or more

Those who meet eligibility requirements for a Household Needs Grant are encouraged to begin the process online at mil.wa.gov/wafires26. People can also call 2-1-1 for assistance with the application or apply in person at select locations.

The funding is part of $2.5 million made available through Gov. Ferguson's recent emergency proclamation. The first $1 million is being distributed by the Department of Social and Health Services through Disaster Cash Assistance to people who meet the requirements of that program. Click here to apply for Disaster Cash Assistance or other cash assistance available through DSHS.

Additional state resources to help wildfire survivors can be found here: Wildfire | Washington State Military Department

How to Apply

Those who meet the eligibility criteria for a Household Needs Grant are encouraged to begin the application process online at https://www.mil.wa.gov/wafires26. Applicants will be asked to provide proof of identity, which could include a driver's license, a passport, or another government-issued photo ID. Applicants will need to prove disaster damage and demonstrate that the home was their primary residence. Additional proof could be required, which may include a utility bill, a mortgage statement or lease agreement, or other.

People who need help completing the application can call 2-1-1 from 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. any day of the week. People can also apply in person at select locations starting Aug. 14, 2026.

More information on the program, to include in-person locations as well as required documents can be found here: Wildfire Assistance | Washington State Military Department

Federal Assistance

At the same time, local and state officials are working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to begin a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment.

That assessment will document fire damage and help determine whether Washington meets indicators to apply for federal Individual Assistance and Public Assistance programs.