FEMA rejects Washington appeal for wildfire victim aid

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Gov. Jay Inslee says he's disappointed by the federal government's denial of Washington's request for aid to individuals affected by this summer's wildfires.

This is the second time over two years that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied the state this type of assistance following massive fires.

Inslee had been seeking help for the aid that would have allowed people affected by the fires to have access to assistance with the repairs of homes and aid for things like rental assistance and replacement of household items.

This year's fires destroyed 146 homes and damaged another 476.

Earlier this week, federal dollars were made available to state and local governments as well as Native American tribes to repair or replace facilities damaged by wildfires and mudslides in August and September.