Statement record

Patty Murray — Aug 3, 2026

U.S. Senator (D-WA) · Aug 3, 2026

On Aug. 3, 2026, Sen. Murray led Washington's entire congressional delegation in a letter to President Trump urging approval of Gov. Ferguson's expedited emergency declaration for Spokane-area fires (Old Trails, Autumn Lane, Fairview). "Large and fast-moving wildfires are burning in Central and Eastern Washington. … According to the Northwest Coordination Center (NWCC), the Pacific Northwest is experiencing wildfire activity not normally seen until much later in the fire season. Between record-setting drought and record low snowpack, the state and Central and Eastern Washington were left vulnerable to fires that burn longer, spread faster, and are increasingly resistant to control." … "So far, roughly 700 structures have been destroyed in Spokane, including entire neighborhoods, while many remain threatened."

Analysis notes

Affected-state senator (core). In-window. Event yes. Drought/snowpack vulnerability framing — not explicit climate-change attribution. No GOP obstruction named; bipartisan aid request.

Codes

Disaster Mention yes — Spokane Area Fires / PNW wildfire season.
Climate Connection partial — Drought and snowpack vulnerability; no "climate change" wording.
Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no — Bipartisan letter requesting federal aid.