Below are resources for people in Washington who have been financially impacted by wildfire.
To find help in your community, call 211 or visit WA211.org.
Financial Institutions: See DFI Guidance for working with those impacted by wildfires.
Homeowners and Mortgages
If your home was damaged or you cannot make your mortgage payments, contact your mortgage servicer (the company you send payments to) as soon as possible. Do not wait for a payment to become overdue. Most lenders offer immediate temporary options, such as forbearance (pausing or reducing payments for several months) or waiving late fees.
- If I Can't Pay My Mortgage Loan, What Are My Options? - Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Washington Homeownership Resource Center - Get connected to a local housing counselor.
- Fannie Mae Disaster Relief - If Fannie Mae owns your loan, you may qualify for reduced or paused mortgage payments for up to 12 months. Call 855-HERE2HELP (855-437-3243) for disaster recovery counseling.
- Freddie Mac Disaster Relief - If Freddie Mac owns your loan, you may qualify for up to 12 months of relief without late fees or penalties.
- Report Wildfire Damage - Washington Emergency Management Division; complete the state's Residential Damage Survey to help officials assess damage.
Credit Cards, Loans, and Other Debts
If a wildfire has affected your income or expenses, contact your credit card companies or other lenders before you miss a payment. Many financial institutions offer short-term hardship plans, which may offer payment deferrals or other temporary help.
- What Should I Do If I Can't Pay My Credit Card Bills? - Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Rebuilding Your Finances After a Disaster - CFPB hub with disaster recovery tools
Student Loans
If you have federal student loans and live in or work in a disaster area, you may qualify for pauses on your monthly payments. Contact your student loan servicer immediately to explain that you have been impacted by a wildfire. For private student loans, contact your lender directly to inquire about emergency hardship options.
- Help for Borrowers Affected by a Disaster - U.S. Department of Education; explains options for pausing federal student loan payments
Insurance Claims
Filing an insurance claim quickly is critical to getting recovery funds for repairs, temporary living expenses, or replacing personal belongings. Once safe to do so, start by documenting all damage with photos or videos before clearing any debris. Save every receipt for emergency hotel stays, food, and essential supplies, as many policies cover these. If you run into issues with your insurer or need help understanding your coverage, the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner can help.
- How to File a Homeowner Insurance Claim - Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
- How to File an Auto Insurance Claim - Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
- Washington State Insurance Consumer Hotline - 800-562-6900. Call with questions about claims, coverage, or licensed adjusters.
Taxes
Wildfire damage can affect both your federal income taxes and local property taxes. On your federal return, you may be able to claim a casualty loss deduction for uninsured or underinsured property losses. Locally, if your home or property was partially or completely destroyed, you may qualify for a property tax reduction or refund through Washington state's Destroyed Property law.
- Help for Disaster Victims - Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Tax Relief for Disasters - Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Destroyed Property Tax - Washington State Department of Revenue
Small Businesses
If a wildfire forces your business to pause operations, or causes physical property damage, resources may be available to you.
- SBA Disaster Assistance Loans - Low-interest federal disaster loans for businesses, non-profits, homeowners, and renters to cover physical repairs or economic injury caused by a declared disaster.
- WA Department of Revenue Disaster Relief for Taxpayers - Request filing extensions, late-payment penalty waivers, or property tax relief if wildfire impacts your business operations.
Replacing Records and Getting into Your Accounts
Losing important financial documents like IDs, bank cards, deeds, or tax records can be frustrating. Your bank or credit union can issue replacement cards. Prioritize replacing your government identification (such as a driver's license) first, as you will need it with filing claims.
- Rebuilding Records After a Disaster - Internal Revenue Service (IRS); tips for replacing lost financial papers
Watch Out for Scams
Scams often increase after wildfire. Watch for fake contractors, fake charities, and people who ask for money to "help" with your insurance claim.
- Avoiding Scams After a Disaster - Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Avoid Charity Fraud - Washington Attorney General’s Office
- Washington Attorney General’s Office - Report a scam to the Washington State Office of the Attorney General.
More Help
Emergency relief agencies, community groups, and government programs offer food, shelter, long-term rebuild grants, and economic assistance for individuals, farmers, and business owners.
- WA211.org - Dial 211 for help with food, shelter, and more - available anytime
- Washington Emergency Management Division - State disaster preparedness and recovery information
- American Red Cross - Emergency shelter, food, and immediate disaster help
- DisasterAssistance.gov - Federal disaster help (becomes available if your area receives a federal disaster declaration)