As wildfires continue to burn across the state, Winegrowers continues to provide the industry with information on resources available to assist with recovery.
On August 10, 2026, Governor Ferguson signed an emergency proclamation for individuals and businesses in Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens, Douglas and Yakima Counties, as wells as the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and Spokane Tribe of Indians.
The emergency proclamation allows people who lost homes and do not have insurance to apply for assistance with home repair/replacement and temporary housing under the state’s Individual Assistance Program. This program also provides Small Business Disaster loans to businesses and organizations that have suffered a physical or economic loss. More information on this program can be found at: https://mil.wa.gov/for-individuals-households-businesses.
The governor’s emergency proclamation also expedites unemployment benefits for individuals who lost their jobs due to wildfire and cash assistance to families. It also provides replacement of documents such as birth certificates, driver’s licenses and vehicle titles without charge. Additional information on the emergency declaration can be found at: https://governor.wa.gov/news/2026/governor-ferguson-issues-emergency-proclamation-suspending-state-laws-help-those-impacted-wildfires.
Winegrape growers who have lost vines due to wildfire may be eligible for federal assistance under the Tree Assistance Program (TAP). TAP provides up to 65% of the cost for replanting or rehabilitating damaged or destroyed vines. Applications for TAP must be submitted to your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office within 90 days from when the losses occurred. Additional information on TAP can be found at =: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/disaster-recovery/tree-assistance-program-tap.
Information on additional FSA programs for disaster assistance is available at: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/news-events/news/08-04-2026/usda-offers-disaster-assistance-agricultural-producers-washington.
Disaster relief information from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) can be found at: https://www.ttb.gov/system/files/images/fact_sheets/TTB-Disaster_Relief.pdf?utm_campaign=&utm_id=&utm_medium=&utm_source=. TTB can also be contacted by telephone at 877-882-3277.
The West Coast Smoke Exposure Taskforce (WCETF) has compiled information on smoke exposure and its impact on grapes and wine that is available for growers and winemakers impacted by wildfire smoke. This information can be found at https://www.wcsetf.org.
Finally, L&I offers extensive safety and health topics and employer requirements related to working outdoors in the smoke: https://www.lni.wa.gov/safety-health/safety-topics/topics/wildfire-smoke