COLVILLE, Wash. — Washington’s U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray along with Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Rep. Dan Newhouse are asking President Biden to make a Major Disaster Declaration for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation due to wildfire damages from earlier this year.
The letter calls for help for the over 57,000 acres that burned July 17 through August 21 on the Colville Reservation.
61 culturally significant sites were also burned in the wildfire.
The letter goes in to state that the Tribes face long-term threats to food security, health and cultural practices as a result of the fire.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the president can make a Major Disaster Declaration for any natural event “that the President believes has caused damage of such severity that it is beyond the combined capabilities of state and local governments to respond.” The declaration would provide federal assistance for people and public infrastructure impacted by the disaster.
You can read the full legislative letter below:
Dear Mr. President:As members of the Washington state delegation, we write in support of the Colville Business Council’s October 17, 2024, request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation due to devastating wildfire damages incurred from July 17 through August 21, 2024. We implore you to approve the request for assistance as quickly as possible. Before the fire, the Colville Reservation experienced severe drought conditions. This, combined with extreme heat, dry weather, and gusty southwest winds, created dangerous wildfire conditions. On July 17th, lightning strikes ignited fires on the Colville Reservation, prompting the Colville Tribes to activate their Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). Many homes were immediately at risk, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate. The fires caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure, disrupted essential community services, and left residents without power and communication systems, leaving entire communities isolated and vulnerable for an extended period. An initial damage assessment by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation revealed extensive damage to critical infrastructure and cultural resources, causing significant disruptions to the Tribe’s daily life. Over 57,000 acres of land were burned, including rangeland and agricultural areas vital for traditional foods and traditional medicinal plants, posing long-term threats to Tribal food security, health, and cultural practices. Additionally, 61 culturally significant tribal sites were burned, causing profound mental and emotional stress to the Tribe. We reiterate our full support for the Colville Business Council’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, including a 10 percent cost-share approval. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.
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