Gov. Ferguson invites President Trump to Spokane to witness devastation firsthand
Aug 6, 2026, 11:56 AM
U.S. President Donald Trump listens to questions from reporters. (Photo: Anna Moneymaker, Getty Images)
(Photo: Anna Moneymaker, Getty Images)
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has invited President Donald Trump to see the fire damage and devastation in Spokane.
In a social media post, Ferguson asked the president or anyone in his administration to fly to Spokane to witness the devastation firsthand.
“I welcome you or any member of your administration to witness the devastation firsthand, meet Washingtonians who have lost so much, and join me in thanking our heroic first responders,” Ferguson stated on X.
Ferguson thanks Trump for approving disaster assistance
Ferguson spoke with Trump on Sunday and thanked him for approving federal disaster assistance, which will fund evacuations, search-and-rescue operations, emergency shelters and food and water for affected areas across the state.
“Thank you for taking time to speak with me about the devastating fires in Washington state,” Ferguson stated. “I deeply appreciate how quickly you granted our request for emergency assistance for six counties and three tribal nations in eastern Washington.”
Today I sent a letter to President Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/Fstd2aN2dd
— Governor Bob Ferguson (@GovBobFerguson) August 5, 2026
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More than 800 structures damaged or destroyed in Spokane fires
More than 60,000 people have been evacuated in Spokane. There have been 846 structures damaged or destroyed.
For many of those forced to leave their homes, Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said it will be a while before they can return.
“We are not going to be downgrading these zones in any large way for many, many more days to come,” Nowels said. “We have many, many encounters with citizens who are angry. They’re trying to push past. We really need to have this kind of behavior stop.”
Nowels said crews need to be sure fire lines will hold, especially with continued hot, dry weather raising the risk of new fires across the Spokane area.
Federal aid was approved Tuesday for six Washington counties impacted by wildfires — Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens, and Yakima counties. The assistance will also cover the Yakima, Colville, and Spokane Tribes.
Contributing: Frank Lenzi and Aaron Granillo, KIRO Newsradio
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