Washington State Wildfire Resources
Posted on 09/16/20
Wildfire Resources
Wildfires can change quickly prompting neighborhood evacuations. It’s important that you are both prepared to evacuate and understand the resources that are available to recover from a loss. To help you and your family, here are a few resources to help if you need information.
Before a Wildfire
- Develop a Family Plan
- Visit ready.gov/plan to learn how to keep your family safe during a disaster.
- Considerations for Older Adults.
- Considerations for Individuals with Disabilities.
- Create a portable Go Bag
- Learn how to be 2 Weeks Ready
- Sign up for Local Emergency Alerts:
- Find your local region and ‘Opt In’ for emergency alerts.
- Stay Informed on Wildfire Updates, Burn Bans, Travel Alerts
- InciWeb: Wildfire Updates
- AirNow Fire and Smoke Map
- Northwest Interagency Coordination Center updates
- Report a forest fire: 911 and 800-562-6010
- Burn ban in effect on DNR lands and State Parks
- State Park Burn Bans and Closures Alerts.
- Travel Alerts: Find out if there any road closures.
- Stay Informed on Social
- Governor Inslee on Twitter and Facebook
- 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
- Protect Your Home
- Learn how to protect your home and be prepared for wildfires.
After a Wildfire
- Register Yourself as Safe or Look for Loved Ones
- Visit Facebook to learn how to mark yourself safe in a disaster.
- Shelter Resources
- Red Cross shelters Current information on Red Cross shelter openings also available on their mobile app.
- Individual Recovery Resources
- 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 Offices are serving clients who may need replacement food and cash assistance as a result of the wildfires. Call 1-877-501-2233 for more information.
- Health insurance: Apple Health (Medicaid) clients affected by the wildfires who have questions or problems can call enrollment specialists for help.
- 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.
- Mental health resources and support: Resource list from the National Alliance on Mental Health
- Postal Service: More information on how wildfire may impact mail delivery here.
- 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.
- Replace Your Vital Records: Learn how to replace lost or stolen ID cards.
- Veteran assistance: Veterans who have been affected by wildfires and need help should contact their County Veterans Program.
- Business Recovery 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.
- Lost livestock assistance: Those that lost livestock in the wildfires may qualify for help from U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Livestock Indemnity Program.
- Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance: The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters.
- 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 Assistance Program.
- Unemployment assistance: Workers and businesses impacted by wildfires may qualify for unemployment benefits or assistance.
- Post Fire Flooding
- Purchase Flood Insurance: The risk of flooding increases after a wildfire. Learn how to prepare for flooding in your neighborhood by visiting FEMA’s FloodSmart webpage.
- Water Updates: Drinking water alerts for areas affected by wildfires
- Help survivors
- 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.
- Volunteer:
- Find out how to get involved at your local fire department here or call 1-800-FIRELINE
- If you're a veteran interested in volunteering, more info on Team Rubicon here
