The White House Approves Federal Disaster Assistance for Oregon Following Wildfires

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – In response to the devastating wildfires that swept through Oregon this summer, President Joe Biden has authorized federal disaster assistance to support the state's recovery efforts.

The wildfires, which raged between July 10 and August 23, 2024, caused significant damage in several counties.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has made Public Assistance funding available to Oregon, offering critical support for state, tribal, and local governments, as well as certain nonprofit organizations. This funding will help with the costs of emergency response efforts and the repair or replacement of public infrastructure affected by the fires in Gilliam, Grant, Umatilla, Wasco, and Wheeler counties.

Yolanda J. Jackson has been appointed as the Federal Coordinating Officer, overseeing the coordination of federal recovery efforts in the impacted areas.

This disaster declaration marks a critical step in Oregon’s recovery from one of the most severe wildfire seasons in recent memory.