Wildfire Relief: Health Access Expanded | Seattle News

Seattle News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 7, 2026 · 2m

Governor Ferguson just got federal approval to declare a public health emergency for wildfire-affected communities across eastern Washington — including Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens, and Yakima counties, plus the Yakama Nation, Colville Reservation, and Spokane Tribe. This move clears the way for faster medical aid, replacement meds, rehab support, and flexible care in shelters or hotels. It also lets hospitals expand services and healthcare providers skip bureaucratic hurdles like inspections or reporting deadlines — all to keep displaced residents healthy during this chaotic…