Episode Details

Oregon’s wildfire crisis is escalating—with over a million acres burned and thousands evacuated—as Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley blast FEMA for denying critical fire management grants for two major fires, despite the state facing its worst wildfire situation. FEMA approved aid for other fires but rejected funding for the East Evans Creek Fire and Rowe Creek Fire Complex, which threatened hundreds of homes and were among the nation’s largest. The senators argue FEMA’s threshold for grants has historically been 150+ homes at risk, and both fires clearly met or exceeded that. FEMA claims the fires didn’t qualify for major disaster declarations, but the senators insist the grant program is meant to help before disaster status—and demand a full audit of FEMA’s decision-making process. With resources stretched thin and fire season far from over, they’re warning that denying aid now could cost lives.

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