Stevens County Emergency Management

10/28/2026

SBA Opens Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Spokane

Low-Interest Disaster Loans Now Available

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced today the
opening of a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Spokane County to assist businesses, private nonprofit organizations, and residents affected by the Eastern Washington Wildfires occurring July 23 – Aug. 31.

Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 28, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Spokane to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan application process. Walk-ins are welcome, and in-person appointments can be scheduled in advance at appointment.sba.gov.

The hours of operation are as follows:

SPOKANE COUNTY
Disaster Loan Outreach Center
NorthTown Mall, Unit 2058
Second Floor near JC Penney
4750 North Division St.
Spokane, WA 99207
Opens on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 11 a.m.
Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

“When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers perform an important role by assisting small businesses and their communities,” said Chris Stallings, Associate Administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery at SBA. “At these centers, our specialists help business owners and residents apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to support their recovery.”

Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against fire damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and private nonprofit organizations — including faith‑based organizations — with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or private nonprofit did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills which could not be paid due to the disaster.

Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.875% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s National Support Network Center at (866) SBA-HELP or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Dec. 21. The deadline to return economic injury applications is July 22, 2027.

https://www.sba.gov/disaster/

Small businesses, homeowners, renters, & nonprofits in declared zones can apply for low-interest SBA disaster loans for physical damage or economic injury.

10/26/2026

SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Washington Businesses, Private Nonprofits, Residents Affected by Eastern Washington Wildfires

Low-interest Disaster Loans Now Available

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the availability of low‑interest federal disaster loans to Washington businesses, private nonprofits and residents to offset physical and economic losses from the Eastern Washington Wildfires occurring July 23 – Aug. 31. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request from Governor Bob Ferguson Oct. 14.

The declaration covers the Washington counties of Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman, as well as the Idaho counties of Benewah, Bonner, and Kootenai.

Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against fire damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and private nonprofit organizations — including faith‑based organizations — impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or private nonprofit did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills which could not be paid due to the disaster.

“SBA provides financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, Associate Administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery at SBA. “We offer disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses, and private nonprofits affected by the disaster.”

Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.875% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Applicants may call the SBA National Support Network Center at (866) SBA-HELP or email [email protected] for more information on disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to return physical damage applications is Dec. 21 The deadline to return economic injury applications is July 22, 2027.

10/19/2026

Of you were affected by the Bradeen or Autumn Lane fire the deadline for Individual Assistance is approaching.

Deadline Warning: Only 2 weeks left to apply for the State Individual Assistance - Household Needs Grant and receive cash assistance!

If your home was destroyed or suffered major damage from the Central/Eastern Washington fires (on or after June 14, 2026), direct cash grants are available to help with groceries, temporary housing, and urgent supplies.

Available assistance:
• 1 person: $750
• 2–4 people: $1,500
• 5+ people: Up to $2,250

Available for residents in Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Grant, Kittitas, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens, Whitman, and Yakima counties, as well as the Yakama Nation, Colville Reservation, and Spokane Tribe.

The application only takes a few minutes!

• Apply online: mil.wa.gov/wafires26
• Call 2-1-1 for phone support
More info on the program, including eligibility and what documents you need to apply here: www.mil.wa.gov/wildfire-assistance
Deadline: Oct. 30, 2026

Deadline Warning: Only 2 weeks left to apply for the State Individual Assistance - Household Needs Grant and receive cash assistance!

If your home was destroyed or suffered major damage from the Central/Eastern Washington fires (on or after June 14, 2026), direct cash grants are available to help with groceries, temporary housing, and urgent supplies.

Available assistance:
• 1 person: $750
• 2–4 people: $1,500
• 5+ people: Up to $2,250

Available for residents in Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Grant, Kittitas, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens, Whitman, and Yakima counties, as well as the Yakama Nation, Colville Reservation, and Spokane Tribe.

The application only takes a few minutes!

• Apply online: mil.wa.gov/wafires26
• Call 2-1-1 for phone support
More info on the program, including eligibility and what documents you need to apply here: www.mil.wa.gov/wildfire-assistance
Deadline: Oct. 30, 2026

Tag anyone in your community who might still need to apply!

10/16/2026

We are looking to hire! Come join the fun world of disasters, chaos and county employment! Most of the dangerous work will involve avoiding paper cuts and carpel tunnel but there will also be opportunities to work with our county volunteers, help set up shelters during emergencies and work on developing stronger community plans!

Check out the details here

10/16/2026

Starting tomorrow, October 15th, DNR will open Rule Burning in the Highlands, Valley, and Methow FDRAs.

Effective Friday, October 16th, Rule Burning will open in the Foothills, Kaniksu, and Upper Basin FDRAs. Fire danger will also move to LOW in Foothills, Kaniksu, and Highlands FDRAs.

If you are wondering which DNR zone you are in visit the Public Information map at Stevenscountywa.gov and turn on the DNR later to see.

All IFPL zones move to Level 0 - Outside Closed Season (AKA "Open Season") - with no IFPL restrictions required effective Friday, October 16th.

Clarification on campfires at Lake Roosevelt NRA: campfires are allowed in approved, designated campgrounds, as well as shoreline fires are permitted below the full water line. Rock rings are never allowed anywhere above or below the shoreline. Contact Lake Roosevelt NPS for additional information or questions on specific requirements.

Starting tomorrow, October 15th, DNR will open Rule Burning in the Highlands, Valley, and Methow FDRAs.

Effective Friday, October 16th, Rule Burning will open in the Foothills, Kaniksu, and Upper Basin FDRAs. Fire danger will also move to LOW in Foothills, Kaniksu, and Highlands FDRAs.

All IFPL zones move to Level 0 - Outside Closed Season (AKA "Open Season") - with no IFPL restrictions required effective Friday, October 16th.

Clarification on campfires at Lake Roosevelt NRA: campfires are allowed in approved, designated campgrounds, as well as shoreline fires are permitted below the full water line. Rock rings are never allowed anywhere above or below the shoreline. Contact Lake Roosevelt NPS for additional information or questions on specific requirements.

10/09/2026

Did you know Stevens County has a dedicated dive team that responds under Emergency Management in partnership with the Sheriff's office?

These volunteers train year-round to support search and rescue missions, evidence recovery, and community safety. It's a remarkable way to give back and help your neighbors during some of their toughest moments.

If you're interested in volunteering or learning more about local response capabilities visit our Stevens County Emergency Management volunteer page at stevenscountywa.gov

A big thank you to Darby, one of our dedicated volunteers, who made this video 📸

10/08/2026

☀ Enjoy the warm temps today because the Halloween winds are warming up their spooky entrance. NWS Spokane says Friday gusts could kick up to 20–30 mph (and a few dramatic 35–45 mph gusts) as a cold front rolls in.

🍂 Even though today is still fairly calm, it’s a good time to:

👻 Secure lightweight Halloween décor before a plastic skeleton becomes a real flight risk
🎃 Bring in anything that likes to tumble- like lawn furniture
🥶 Prep for a chilly weekend as temps drop across the region (maybe blow out those sprinklers - a light freeze is predicted for Monday)

For the latest, visit the National Weather Service Spokane:
https://www.weather.gov/otx/

10/06/2026

🔥 Update: 10/7/26
A prescribed burn will be starting around 10am today near Ricky Point. An estimated 27 acres will be worked on. It is expected that there will be visible smoke plumes in the area.
_______________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release: October 6, 2026
Contact: [email protected]

COULEE DAM, Wash. — The National Park Service, in cooperation with the Wildland Fire Service, may implement prescribed underburns and pile burns in the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area this fall.

Safe and favorable weather conditions are expected from early October through December. Ignition of each area should be completed in one day, and fire management staff will carefully monitor the project areas until they are fully extinguished. Residual smoke may be visible for up to two weeks after ignition.
Public and firefighter safety remain the highest priority. The planned burns by county include:

🔥 Stevens County
Rickey 3: 20 acres north of Rickey Point Road.
Rickey North: Nine acres south of Rickey Point Road.
Evans: One large pile north of the Evans Boat Launch.
Kettle Falls: One large pile south of the Boise Cascade timber and wood facility on South Boise Road.
Gifford: One large pile east of the Gifford Boat Launch.

🔥 Lincoln County
Fort Spokane: One large pile northeast of Fort Spokane near the intersection of Miles Road and Cougi Lane.
Keller Ferry: One large pile southwest of the Keller Ferry Marina.
Spring Canyon: One large pile off Spring Canyon Campground Road.

These prescribed burns are part of Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area’s ongoing fire management program. They will promote forest health, reduce wildfire fuels near homes and infrastructure, and improve plant diversity. The burns will also return nutrients to the soil and help maintain forests that are more resilient to fire, insects and disease.

Fire managers carefully plan prescribed burns and conduct them under specific weather and fuel conditions. Wildland fire management activities conducted by the National Park Service are guided by agency management policies and federal wildland fire guidelines.

About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.

09/29/2026

📌REMINDER - MEETINGS TONIGHT AND TOMORROW!

Stevens County is hosting public listening sessions for the County's Comprehensive Plan Periodic update this week. The County’s Comprehensive Plan (Plan) was last updated in 2022. The updated plan will prepare the County for growth through 2047. The plan serves as the centerpiece to local planning efforts. There is a listening session tonight in Colville (Sheriff's Ambulance building at pm) and tomorrow night in Chewelah (Mistequa Casino Hotel Conference Center at 6pm). Topics will include land use, housing, and climate resilience planning. Emergency Management has utilized feedback for our current update to the hazard mitigation plan.

Meeting details:
Colville: 6:00pm Tuesday, September 29th at the Sheriff’s Ambulance Training Center, 425 N Hwy, Colville.
Chewelah: 6:00 pm Wednesday, September 30th at the Mistequa Casino Hotel Conference Center (Ballroom), 2555 Smith Rd, Chewelah.

See https://stevenscounty2027.com for additional details, documents, and interactive commenting tools.

Stevens County is updating its Comprehensive Plan and development regulations, and preparing a new climate resiliency element.

09/28/2026

A huge thank you to our Stevens County Search and Rescue team. Both lost subjects were found today and even though LifeFlight was needed it was a happy outcome for both individuals. The team's long hours of weekend trainings truly paid off today.