In Spokane, Murray Meets with First Responders to Discuss Wildfire Recovery Efforts; Meets Impacted Family at Their Property; Affirms She Will Fight to Deliver Federal[...]

Murray: "I will make sure Spokane's recovery is a priority at every opportunity. Whatever it takes-for as long as it takes."

ICYMI: Senator Murray Vows to Get Spokane and WA Federal Resources for Wildfire Response and Recovery

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Spokane, WA - Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, visited families, first responders, and community leaders in Spokane to hear about the ongoing wildfire debris clean up and recovery efforts, and witness firsthand the current state of local communities that have been hit hard by the devastating Spokane Complex Fires.

Melinda and Brent Howard invited Senator Murray to visit their neighborhood to see the destruction from the Old Trails wildfire. The Howard family lost their home in the wildfire and their neighborhood was one of the hardest hit in the community.

"Washington state is no stranger to wildfires-but this has been one of the most destructive wildfires our state has seen. I want every family in Spokane, and those across the state who are still battling wildfires, to know I am with you, today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes to rebuild," said Senator Murray. These fires may have destroyed homes and so many families lost a lifetime of memories, but Spokane's spirit was never broken. The Spokane community rallied together and took care of each other-and I had the opportunity to see that firsthand. Firefighters, law enforcement, health care workers, and volunteers mobilized, stepping up to help one another. The VA staff were also critical and got Mann-Grandstaff evacuated, continued to ensure veterans had the care they needed, and stepped up to get it reopen as soon as possible-even as many were affected by the fires themselves. So, with my deepest gratitude, thank you, to everyone who has helped battle these fires and keep the community safe, and thank you as we all continue working together to rebuild and recover."

Senator Murray continued, "The fires may be contained but the fight does not stop. The people of Spokane need action and deserve to know their government has their back. I have been hard at work in DC ensuring Washington state received an expedited Emergency Declaration so communities could get resources faster. Rebuilding homes, rebuilding businesses, it will take a long time, and it will not be easy. But as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I want the people of Eastern Washington to know they have a voice in the United States Senate who will speak up for Spokane, and I will make sure Spokane's recovery is a priority at every opportunity. Whatever it takes-for as long as it takes."

"We lost everything in the fire, as did many in our community. We are so grateful for the amazing response from firefighters, first responders, and the greater Spokane community, including the rapid formation of the Disaster Assistance Center. The outpouring of support has been nothing short of incredible. We have a long road ahead of us with many unknowns. Continued support from local, state, and federal agencies will be critical in the months and years to come," said the Howard Family.

While in Spokane, Senator Murray held a briefing with first responders and local leaders to hear about the response and recovery efforts for the Spokane Complex Fires. Senator Murray is committed to supporting the wildfire recovery efforts and will ensure resources for Spokane are a top priority in federal funding bills.

"Federal assistance is critical to our ability to respond to the aftermath of these devastating fires. Senator Murray will be a key partner in that effort, and I am grateful for her leadership and commitment to Spokane as we navigate the road to recovery," said Lisa Brown, Mayor of Spokane.

"I am grateful to Senator Murray for coming to meet with the Spokane Fire Department and see firsthand the areas impacted by these devasting fires. She has helped bring federal partners to the table, which will ensure local families, businesses, and neighborhoods have the resources they need to rebuild and come back stronger," said Tom Williams, Spokane Fire Chief.

Senator Murray also toured CHAS Health, including their new Learning Institute and their mobile medical unit, and met with health care providers who helped families evacuated due to the wildfires. Senator Murray secured $3 million in Congressional Direct Spending (CDS) for the CHAS Learning Institute in FY22 to help create a health care training facility to expand community access to health care apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training for students in medical, dental, and pharmacy programs.

"When these historic fires hit the Spokane community, CHAS Health was well positioned to provide support. From the Red Cross Shelter to the Disaster Assistance Center, our employees quickly stepped up in assisting with medical care, prescription refills, providing essential needs, and other resources throughout the early recovery effort. We thank Senator Murray for her continued advocacy and support for the individuals, families, and communities impacted by the fires," said Aaron Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of CHAS Health.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, in the Interior and Environment appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2026, which Senator Murray negotiated and helped pass into law, Murray worked to include essential investments in wildfire preparedness and suppression. In FY26, she secured $6.13 billion for the U.S. Forest Service, with separate additional funding for the Wildfire Suppression Operations Reserve. The bill rejected the steep $1.4 billion cut to the Forest Service's non-fire budget proposed by President Trump and provides funding for the Forest Service to improve forest restoration and fire risk reduction efforts on federal lands. The FY26 bill also fully funds essential wildfire preparedness and suppression efforts by providing $4.25 billion for wildfire suppression, of which $2.85 billion is for the Wildfire Suppression Operations Reserve Fund and continues to support the increased pay for federal firefighters enacted into law last year. Senator Murray continues to push back against Trump's FY27 budget request, to protect our public lands.

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